Surgical stapling system configured to apply annular rows of staples having different heights

ABSTRACT

Circular and curved surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising circular and curved stapling configurations. A circular staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples arranged in an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. Staples in certain rows can have different unformed heights. Some arrangements include deck features that protrude from the staple cartridge deck. Various anvil arrangements are also disclosed to attain staples having different formed heights.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including aninterchangeable surgical tool assembly in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a handle assembly of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1, with a portion of the handle housing omitted toexpose components housed therein;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assemblyof the surgical instrument of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-4 with a grip portion of the handle assembly shown in solidlines in one position relative to a primary housing portion and inphantom lines in another position relative to the primary housingportion of the handle assembly;

FIG. 6 is an end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIGS.2-5 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-6 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-7 showing a shifter gear in meshing engagement with a drive gearon a rotary drive socket;

FIG. 9 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-8 showing the position of a shifter solenoid when the shiftergear is in meshing engagement with the drive gear on the rotary drivesocket;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the handle assembly of FIGS. 2-9with certain portions thereof shown in cross-section and with an accesspanel portion thereof shown in phantom;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the handle assembly of FIGS. 2-11 with abailout system shown in an actuatable position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bailout handle of the bailout systemdepicted in FIGS. 2-11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the bailout handleof FIG. 12 with portions thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the handle assembly ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling attachmentcomprising an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulationjoint, and an end effector assembly;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly,the end effector assembly, and the articulation joint of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial exploded view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgical staplingattachment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the attachment portion and theshaft assembly of the surgical stapling attachment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgical staplingattachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a shiftingassembly configured to shift between the drivability of a closure driveand a firing drive, and wherein the shifting assembly is illustrated ina position to drive the firing drive;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgical staplingattachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is illustrated in aposition to drive the closure drive;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a closure frame of the end effectorassembly of the surgical stapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein theclosure frame comprises corresponding slots to engage a tissue-retentionpin mechanism of the end effector assembly and corresponding drivingtabs to engage the staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the closure frame shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the closure frame shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgical staplingattachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is illustrated in aposition to drive the closure drive;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is in afirst position to drive the closure drive and the end effector assemblyis in an open configuration;

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is in thefirst position and the end effector assembly is in a partially closedconfiguration;

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is in thefirst position and the end effector assembly is in a fully clampedconfiguration;

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly hasshifted from the first position to a second position to drive the firingdrive and the end effector assembly is in the fully clampedconfiguration;

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly is in thesecond position and the surgical stapling attachment is in a fully firedconfiguration;

FIG. 30 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly, the articulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the surgicalstapling attachment of FIG. 15, wherein the shifting assembly hasshifted from the second position to a third position to drive the firingdrive and the closure drive simultaneously, and wherein the surgicalstapling attachment is in the fully fired configuration;

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a shaft assembly comprising a staplecartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 30B is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 30Aillustrating the staple cartridge detached from the shaft assembly;

FIG. 30C is a partial exploded view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 30A;

FIG. 30D is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG.30A illustrated in an open, unclamped configuration;

FIG. 30E is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG.30A illustrated in a closed, clamped configuration;

FIG. 30F is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG.30A illustrated in a fired configuration;

FIG. 30G is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG.30A illustrating a power harvesting system in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling attachment, orinstrument, comprising an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, anarticulation joint, and an end effector assembly;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of the articulation joint and theend effector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31, wherein the endeffector assembly comprises an end effector frame, a closure frame, anda staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly, thearticulation joint, and the end effector assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 31 illustrating the staple cartridge assembly installed within theend effector assembly;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the attachment portionand the shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31, wherein theattachment portion comprises an attachment interface and a transmissionconfigured to transmit rotary control motions received by an instrumentinterface to a main drive shaft of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the end effector assembly and the shaftassembly of the instrument of FIG. 31;

FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the end effector assembly ofthe instrument of FIG. 31;

FIG. 37 is a partial perspective view of the end effector assembly andthe shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31, wherein portions of theend effector assembly are fully or partially removed to expose a drivesystem, multiple lock arrangements, and a tissue-retention pin mechanismof the end effector assembly;

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view of portions of the closure frameand the end effector frame, wherein portions have been removed to exposethe drive system, a lock arrangement, and the tissue-retention pinmechanism of the instrument of FIG. 31;

FIG. 39 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in anuncaptured, unclamped, unfired, unlocked configuration;

FIG. 40 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in theuncaptured, unclamped, unfired, unlocked configuration of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in the uncaptured,unclamped, unfired, unlocked configuration of FIG. 39 taken along line41-41 in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in acaptured, partially-clamped, unfired configuration;

FIG. 43 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in thecaptured, partially-clamped, unfired configuration of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in afully-clamped, unfired configuration;

FIG. 45 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in afully-clamped, fired configuration;

FIG. 46 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in apartially-retracted, fired configuration;

FIG. 47 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in afully-retracted, locked configuration, wherein the spent staplecartridge assembly has been removed from the end effector assembly;

FIG. 48 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in thefully-retracted, locked configuration of FIG. 46, wherein an unspentstaple cartridge assembly is ready to be installed within the endeffector assembly;

FIG. 49 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in afully-clamped, partially-fired configuration, wherein the staplecartridge assembly comprises a firing status indicator system and thefiring status indicator system indicates that the instrument is in thefully-clamped, partially-fired configuration;

FIG. 50 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 31 illustrated in afully-clamped, fully-fired configuration, wherein the firing statusindicator system indicates that the instrument is in the fully-clamped,fully-fired configuration;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling attachment, orinstrument, comprising an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, anarticulation joint, and an end effector assembly;

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view of an articulation transmission ofthe attachment portion of the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a perspective cross-sectioned view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 51, wherein some portions of theinstrument are removed to expose inner portions of the instrument;

FIG. 54 is a partial exploded view of the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 55 is a partial perspective view of a cartridge support jaw of theinstrument of FIG. 51 comprising a pivot pin defining a pivot axis aboutwhich the cartridge support jaw is rotatable;

FIG. 56 is a partial exploded view of the attachment portion, the shaftassembly, and the articulation joint of the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectioned perspective view of thearticulation joint of the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the articulation joint and the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51, wherein the end effectorassembly comprises a pair of moveable jaws, a staple cartridge, and adrive system;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the instrument of FIG.51 illustrated in a clamped, unfired configuration;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 51 illustrated in a clamped, fullystapled configuration;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 51 illustrated in a retractedconfiguration;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 51 taken along line 62-62 in FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effectorassembly of the instrument of FIG. 51 illustrated in a clamped, fullystapled, partially cut configuration;

FIG. 64 is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the endeffector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51 illustrated in anunclamped, or open, configuration;

FIG. 65 is a partial, top view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51illustrated in a clamped, unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 66 is a partial, top view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51illustrated in an unclamped, articulated configuration;

FIG. 67 is a partial, top view of the end effector assembly, thearticulation joint, and the shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51illustrated in a clamped, articulated configuration;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a closure frame of theend effector assembly of the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional elevational view of an end effector frameof the instrument of FIG. 51;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staplecartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 71 depicts a pair of staples in accordance with at least oneembodiment in unformed and formed configurations;

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 70 prior toactuation of the staple forming process;

FIG. 73 is another cross-sectional view of the anvil of FIG. 72 and thestaple cartridge of FIG. 70 after the staples have been formed;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staplecartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 74 prior toactuation of the staple forming process;

FIG. 76 is another cross-sectional view of the anvil and staplecartridge of FIG. 75 after the staples have been formed;

FIG. 77 is a top view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 78 is a bottom view of an anvil in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of a surgical staple cartridge;

FIG. 80 depicts three unformed surgical staples;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical stapling deviceaccording to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 82 is a top view of a surgical staple cartridge of the staplingdevice of FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical staplingdevice of FIG. 81;

FIG. 84 is a side elevational view of a staple driver assembly accordingto at least one embodiment;

FIG. 85 is a bottom view of an anvil according to at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 86 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of asurgical stapling device employing the anvil of FIG. 85;

FIG. 87 is an enlarged view of staple forming pockets of the anvil ofFIG. 85 with a corresponding formed staple;

FIG. 88 depicts staples in accordance with at least one embodiment inunformed and formed configurations;

FIG. 89 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of asurgical stapling device according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 90 depicts staples in accordance with at least one embodiment inunformed and formed configurations;

FIG. 91 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of asurgical stapling device according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 92 is a top view of a portion of a surgical stapling deviceaccording to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 93 is a bottom view of an anvil in accordance with at least oneembodiment that may be used in connection with the surgical staplingdevice of FIG. 92;

FIG. 94 is a top view of a staple cavity according to at least oneembodiment and a corresponding staple;

FIG. 95 depicts unformed staples according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 96 is a top view of a surgical stapling device according to atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 97 is a top view of a staple cavity according to at least oneembodiment and a corresponding staple;

FIG. 98 is a bottom view of an anvil according to at least oneembodiment that may be employed in connection with the surgical staplingdevice of FIG. 96;

FIG. 99 is an enlarged view of staple forming pockets of the anvil ofFIG. 98 with a corresponding formed staple;

FIG. 100 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling deviceaccording to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 101 depicts unformed staples according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 102 is a top plan view of a staple cartridge according to at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 103 is a top view of a staple cavity according to at least oneembodiment and a corresponding staple;

FIG. 104 is a bottom view of a surgical stapling device anvil accordingto at least one embodiment;

FIG. 105 is a top view of a pair of staple cavities according to atleast one embodiment and a corresponding staple;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly of a surgicalstapler in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of an anvil modification member ofthe anvil assembly of FIG. 106;

FIG. 108 is a top view of an anvil modification member of the anvilassembly of FIG. 106;

FIG. 109 is a top view of an anvil assembly of a surgical stapler inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 110 is a top view of a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler ofFIG. 109;

FIG. 111 illustrates a forming pocket of an anvil modification memberand a staple formed by the forming pocket;

FIG. 112 illustrates a staple cavity of the surgical stapler of FIG. 109and an unformed staple;

FIG. 113 is a perspective of a staple driver supporting three staples ofthe surgical stapler of FIG. 109;

FIG. 114 is a top view of the staple driver of FIG. 113;

FIG. 115 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an end effector includinga staple cartridge, an anvil, and an anvil modification member inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 116 illustrates three staples in unformed configurations and formedconfigurations in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on even date herewith and which are eachherein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING ASURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM; Attorney Docket No. END7821USNP/150535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled MODULAR SURGICALSTAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY; Attorney Docket No.END7822USNP/150536;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;Attorney Docket No. END7822USNP1/150536-1;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTHANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION; Attorney Docket No.END7823USNP/150537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM; AttorneyDocket No. END7824USNP/150538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING ANDSTAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER; AttorneyDocket No. END7825USNP/150539;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled CLOSURE SYSTEMARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICES WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT FIRING SHAFTS; Attorney Docket No. END7826USNP/150540;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELYROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS; Attorney Docket No. END7827USNP/150541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION; Attorney Docket No.END7829USNP/150543;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE; AttorneyDocket No. END7830USNP/150544;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT; Attorney Docket No.END7831USNP/150545;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No.END7832USNP/150546;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No.END7833USNP/150547;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No.END7834USNP/150548;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No.END7835USNP/150549;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No.END7836USNP/150550;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTCOMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM; Attorney Docket No. END7837USNP/150551;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS; Attorney Docket No.END7838USNP/150552;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT; Attorney Docket No. END7839USNP/150553;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET; Attorney Docket No.END7841USNP/150555;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATIONMEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; Attorney Docket No. END7842USNP/150556;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITHATRAUMATIC FEATURES; Attorney Docket No. END7843USNP/150557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT; Attorney Docket No.END7844USNP/150558;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; Attorney Docket No.END7845USNP/150559; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL; Attorney Docket No.END7845USNP1/150559-1.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVETO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRINGBEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATIONDRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULLARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVELTHRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUETYPES; Attorney Docket No. END7557USNP/140482;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTISENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUECOMPRESSION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEEDCONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENTEVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, ANDVISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVEFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUESAND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLPROCESSING FROM HANDLE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITHLOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FORDETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICALSTAPLER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL CHARGINGSYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEMTHAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FORMONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERYFOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FORA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLINGASSEMBLY; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANSFOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKINGARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICALEND EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETENON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWEREDARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCHARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICALSURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246474;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSORMOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCHASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0246477;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSORSTRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246479;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246473; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0246476.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSORARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONMOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMLOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATIONCONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263553;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAINCONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263543; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATIONVERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OFNUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACKALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMSFOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY ANDSENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITHINTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICEDEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORSWITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled USE OF POLARITY OFHALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGEWAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTORCONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OFTISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVENSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROMTHE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEARSURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSIONARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARYDRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMDECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH POWER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTORCONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgicalstapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured topermit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to theshaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axisextending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments areenvisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used toperform a variety of different surgical procedures. In the illustratedembodiment, the motor driven surgical system 10 comprises a selectivelyreconfigurable housing or handle assembly 20 that is attached to oneform of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. For example, thesystem 10 that is depicted in FIG. 1 includes an interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000 that comprises a surgical cutting andfastening instrument which may be referred to as an endocutter. As willbe discussed in further detail below, the interchangeable surgical toolassemblies may include end effectors that are adapted to supportdifferent sizes and types of staple cartridges and, have different shaftlengths, sizes, and types, etc. Such arrangements, for example, mayutilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. Forinstance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fastenersremovably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attachedto the end effector of a surgical tool assembly. Other surgical toolassemblies may be interchangeably employed with the handle assembly 20.For example, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may bedetached from the handle assembly 20 and replaced with a differentsurgical tool assembly that is configured to perform other surgicalprocedures. In other arrangements, the surgical tool assembly may not beinterchangeable with other surgical tool assemblies and essentiallycomprise a dedicated shaft that is non-removably affixed or coupled tothe handle assembly 20, for example. The surgical tool assemblies mayalso be referred to as elongate shaft assemblies. The surgical toolassemblies may be reusable or, in other configurations, the surgicaltool assemblies may be designed to be disposed of after a single use.

As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood thatthe various forms of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies disclosedherein may also be effectively employed in connection withrobotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the terms “housing” and“housing assembly” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of arobotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least onedrive system that is configured to generate and apply at least onecontrol motion which could be used to actuate the elongate shaftassemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term“frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. Theterm “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlledsurgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may beused to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, thesurgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with variousrobotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as, but notlimited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0298719 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing assembly or handle assembly20 comprises a primary housing portion 30 that may be formed from a pairof housing segments 40, 70 that may be fabricated from plastic, polymermaterials, metal, etc. and be joined together by an appropriate fastenerarrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fit features,snap-fit features, latches, etc. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, the primary housing portion 30 operably supports a plurality ofdrive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply variouscontrol motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly that is operably attached thereto. The handleassembly 20 further comprises a grip portion 100 that is movably coupledto the primary housing portion 30 and is configured to be gripped andmanipulated by the clinician in various positions relative to theprimary housing portion 30. The grip portion 100 may be fabricated froma pair of grip segments 110, 120 that may be fabricated from plastic,polymer materials, metal, etc. and are joined together by an appropriatefastener arrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fitfeatures, snap-fit features, latches, etc. for assembly and maintenancepurposes.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the grip portion 100 comprises a grip housing130 that defines a hollow cavity 132 that is configured to operablysupport a drive motor and gearbox which will be discussed in furtherdetail below. The upper portion 134 of the grip housing 130 isconfigured to extend through an opening 80 in the primary housingportion 30 and be pivotally journaled on a pivot shaft 180. The pivotshaft 180 defines a pivot axis designated as “PA”. See FIG. 3. Forreference purposes, the handle assembly 20 defines a handle axisdesignated as “HA” that may be parallel to the shaft axis “SA” of theelongate shaft assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool that isoperably attached to the handle assembly 20. The pivot axis PA istransverse to the handle axis HA. See FIG. 1. Such arrangement enablesthe grip portion 100 to be pivoted relative to the primary housingportion 30 about the pivot axis PA to a position that is best suited forthe type of interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupled tothe handle assembly 20. The grip housing 130 defines a grip axis,generally designated as “GA”. See FIG. 2. When the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly 20comprises an endocutter for example, the clinician might want toposition the grip portion 100 relative to the primary housing portion 30such that the grip axis GA is perpendicular or approximatelyperpendicular (angle “H1”) to the handle axis HA (referred to herein asa “first grip position”). See FIG. 5. However, if the handle assembly 20is being used to control an interchangeable surgical tool assembly thatcomprises a circular stapler for example, the clinician may wish topivot the grip portion 100 relative to the primary housing portion 30 toa position wherein the grip axis GA is at a forty-five degree orapproximately forty-five degree angle or other suitable acute angle(angle “H2”) relative to the handle axis HA. This position is referredto herein as a “second grip position”. FIG. 5 illustrates the gripportion 100 in phantom lines in the second grip position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the handle assembly 20 also includes a griplocking system, generally designated as 150, for selectively locking thegrip portion 100 in the desired orientation relative to the primaryhousing portion 30. In one arrangement, the grip locking system 150comprises an arcuate series 152 of pointed teeth 154. The teeth 154 arespaced from each other and form a locking groove 156 therebetween. Eachlocking groove 156 corresponds to a particular angular locking positionfor the grip portion 100. For example, in at least one arrangement, theteeth 154 and locking grooves or “locking locations” 156 are arranged topermit the grip portion 100 to be locked at 10-15 degree intervalsbetween the first grip position and the second grip position. Thearrangement may employ two stop positions which are tailored to the typeof instrument (shaft arrangement) employed. For example, for anendocutter shaft arrangement, it may be approximately around ninetydegrees to the shaft and for a circular stapler arrangement, the anglemay be approximately forty-five degrees to the shaft while being sweptforward towards the surgeon. The grip locking system 150 furtherincludes a locking button 160 that has a locking portion 162 that isconfigured to lockingly engage the locking grooves 156. For example, thelocking button 160 is pivotally mounted in the primary handle portion 30on a pivot pin 131 to permit the locking button 160 to pivot intoengagement with a corresponding locking groove 156. A locking spring 164serves to bias the locking button 160 into an engaged or locked positionwith the corresponding locking groove 156. The locking portion 162 andthe teeth configurations serve to enable the teeth 154 to slide past thelocking portion 162 when the clinician depresses the locking button 160.Thus, to adjust the angular position of the grip portion 100 relative tothe primary housing portion 30, the clinician depresses the lockingbutton 160 and then pivots the grip portion 100 to the desired angularposition. Once the grip portion 100 has been moved to the desiredposition, the clinician releases the locking button 160. The lockingspring 164 will then bias the locking button 160 toward the series ofteeth 154 so that the locking portion 162 enters the correspondinglocking groove 156 to retain the grip portion 100 in that positionduring use.

The handle assembly 20 operably supports a first rotary drive system300, a second rotary drive system 320 and a third axial drive system400. The rotary drive systems 300, 320 are each powered by a motor 200that is operably supported in the grip portion 100. As can be seen inFIG. 2, for example, the motor 200 is supported within the cavity 132 inthe grip portion 100 and has a gear box assembly 202 that has an outputdrive shaft 204 protruding therefrom. In various forms, the motor 200may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of,approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motormay include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, astepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 200 maybe powered by a power source 210 that, in one form, may comprise aremovable power pack 212. The power source 210 may comprise, forexample, anyone of the various power source arrangements disclosed infurther detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575and entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In theillustrated arrangement, for example, the power pack 212 may comprise aproximal housing portion 214 that is configured for attachment to adistal housing portion 216. The proximal housing portion 214 and thedistal housing portion 216 are configured to operably support aplurality of batteries 218 therein. Batteries 218 may each comprise, forexample, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distalhousing portion 216 is configured for removable operable attachment to ahandle circuit board assembly 220 which is also operably coupled to themotor 200. The handle circuit board assembly 220 may also be generallyreferred to herein as the “control system or CPU 224”. A number ofbatteries 218 may be connected in series may be used as the power sourcefor the handle assembly 20. In addition, the power source 210 may bereplaceable and/or rechargeable. In other embodiments, the surgicalinstrument 10 may be powered by alternating current (AC) for example.The motor 200 may be controlled by a rocker switch 206 that is mountedto the grip portion 100.

As outlined above, the motor 200 is operably coupled to a gear boxassembly 202 that includes an output drive shaft 204. Attached to theoutput drive shaft 204 is a driver bevel gear 230. The motor 200, thegear box assembly 202, the output drive shaft 204 and the driver bevelgear 230 may also be collectively referred to herein as a “motorassembly 231”. The driver bevel gear 230 interfaces with a driven bevelgear 234 that is attached to a system drive shaft 232 as well as a pivotbevel gear 238 that is journaled on the pivot shaft 180. The drivenbevel gear 234 is axially movable on the system drive shaft 232 betweenan engaged position wherein the driven bevel gear 234 is in meshingengagement with the driver bevel gear 230 (FIG. 5) and a disengagedposition wherein the driven bevel gear 234 is out of meshing engagementwith the drive bevel gear 230 (FIG. 14). A drive system spring 235 isjournaled between the driven bevel gear 234 and a proximal end flange236 that is formed on a proximal portion of the system drive shaft 232.See FIGS. 4 and 14. The drive system spring 235 serves to bias thedriven bevel gear 234 out of meshing engagement with the driver bevelgear 230 as will be discussed in further detail below. The pivot bevelgear 238 facilitates pivotal travel of the output drive shaft 204 anddriver bevel gear 230 with the grip portion 100 relative to the primaryhandle portion 30.

In the illustrated example, the system drive shaft 232 interfaces with arotary drive selector system, generally designated as 240. In at leastone form, for example, the rotary drive selector system 240 comprises ashifter gear 250 that is selectively movable between the first rotarydrive system 300 and the second rotary drive system 320. As can be seenin FIGS. 6-9, for example, the drive selector system 240 comprises ashifter mounting plate 242 that is non-movably mounted within primaryhandle portion 30. For example, the shifter mounting plate 242 may befrictionally retained between mounting lugs (not shown) formed in thehousing segments 40, 70 or be otherwise retained therein by screws,adhesive, etc. Still referring to FIGS. 6-9, the system drive shaft 232extends through a hole in the shifter mounting plate 242 and has thecentral, or system, drive gear 237 non-rotatably attached thereto. Forexample the central drive gear 237 may be attached to the system driveshaft 232 by a keyway arrangement 233. See FIGS. 6-9. In otherarrangements, the system drive shaft 232 may be rotatably supported inthe shifter mounting plate 242 by a corresponding bearing (not shown)that is mounted thereto. In any event, rotation of the system driveshaft 232 will result in rotation of the central drive gear 234.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first drive system 300 includes a firstdrive socket 302 that is rotatably supported in a distal wall 32 formedin the primary handle portion 30. The first drive socket 302 maycomprise a first body portion 304 that has a splined socket formedtherein. A first driven gear 306 is formed on or is non-movably attachedto the first body portion 304. The first body portion 304 may berotatably supported in a corresponding hole or passage provided thedistal wall 32 or it may be rotatably supported in a correspondingbearing (not shown) that is mounted in the distal wall 32. Similarly,the second rotary drive system 320 includes a second drive socket 322that is also rotatably supported in the distal wall 32 of the primaryhandle portion 30. The second drive socket 322 may comprise a secondbody portion 324 that has a splined socket formed therein. A seconddriven gear 326 is formed on or is non-rotatably mounted to the secondbody portion 324. The second body portion 324 may be rotatably supportedin a corresponding hole or passage provided the distal wall 32 or it maybe rotatably supported in a corresponding bearing (not shown) that ismounted in the distal wall 32. The first and second drive sockets 302,322 are spaced from each other on each lateral side of the handle axisHA. See FIG. 4, for example.

As indicated above, in the illustrated example, the rotary driveselector system 240 includes a shifter gear 250. As can be seen in FIGS.6-9, the shifter gear 250 is rotatably mounted on an idler shaft 252that is movably supported in an arcuate slot 244 in the shifter mountingplate 242. The shifter gear 250 is mounted so as to freely rotate on theidler shaft 252 and remain in meshing engagement with the central drivegear 234. The idler shaft 252 is coupled to an end of a shaft 262 of ashifter solenoid 260. The shifter solenoid 260 is pinned or otherwisemounted with the primary handle housing 30 such that when the shiftersolenoid 260 is actuated, the shifter gear 250 is moved into meshingengagement with one of the first driven gear 306 or the second drivengear 326. For example, in one arrangement, when the solenoid shaft is262 is retracted (FIGS. 6 and 7), the shifter gear 250 is in meshingengagement with the central drive gear 234 and the first driven gear 306such that actuation of the motor 200 will result in rotation of thefirst drive socket 302. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a shifterspring 266 may be employed to bias the shifter gear 250 into that firstactuation position. Thus, should power be lost to the surgicalinstrument 10, the shifter spring 266 will automatically bias theshifter gear 250 into the first position. When the shifter gear 250 isin that position, subsequent actuation of the motor 200 will result inrotation of the first drive socket 302 of the first rotary drive system300. When the shifter solenoid is actuated, the shifter gear 250 ismoved into meshing engagement with the second driven gear 326 on thesecond drive socket 322. Thereafter, actuation of the motor 200 willresult in actuation or rotation of the second drive socket 322 of thesecond rotary drive system 320.

As will be discussed in further detail below, the first and secondrotary drive systems 300, 320 may be used to power various componentportions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupledthereto. As indicated above, in at least one arrangement, if during theactuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly, power was lostto the motor, the shifter spring 266 will bias the shifter gear 250 tothe first position. Depending upon which component portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly was being operated, it may benecessary to reverse the application of the rotary drive motion to thefirst drive system 300 to enable the interchangeable surgical toolassembly to be removed from the patient. The handle assembly 20 of theillustrated example employs a manually actuatable “bailout” system,generally designated as 330, for manually applying a rotary drive motionto the first rotary drive system 300 in the above described scenario,for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the illustrated bailout system 330comprises a bailout drive train 332 that includes a planetary gearassembly 334. In at least one form, the planetary gear assembly 334includes a planetary gear housing 336 that houses a planetary geararrangement (not shown) that includes a planetary bevel gear 338. Theplanetary gear assembly 334 includes a bailout drive shaft 340 that isoperably coupled to the planetary gear arrangement within the planetarygear housing 336. Rotation of the planetary bevel gear 338 rotates theplanetary gear arrangement which ultimately rotates the bailout driveshaft 340. A bailout drive gear 342 is journaled on the bailout driveshaft 340 so that the bailout drive gear 342 can move axially on thebailout drive shaft 340, yet rotate therewith. The bailout drive gear342 is movable between a spring stop flange 344 that is formed on thebailout drive shaft 340 and a shaft end stop 346 that is formed on thedistal end of the bailout drive shaft 340. A bailout shaft spring 348 isjournaled on the bailout drive shaft 340 between the bailout drive gear342 and the spring stop flange 344. The bailout shaft spring 348 biasesthe bailout drive gear 342 distally on the bailout drive shaft 340. Whenthe bailout drive gear 342 is in its distal-most position on the bailout drive shaft 340, it is in meshing engagement with a bailout drivengear 350 that is non-rotatably mounted to the system drive shaft 232.See FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the bailout system 330 includes abailout actuator assembly or bailout handle assembly 360 thatfacilitates the manual application of a bailout drive motion to thebailout drive train 332. As can be seen in those Figures, the bailouthandle assembly 360 includes a bailout bevel gear assembly 362 thatcomprises a bailout bevel gear 364 and a ratchet gear 366. The bailouthandle assembly 360 further includes a bailout handle 370 that ismovably coupled to the bailout bevel gear assembly 362 by a pivot yoke372 that is pivotally mounted on the ratchet gear 366. The bailouthandle 370 is pivotally coupled to the pivot yoke 372 by a pin 374 forselective pivotal travel between a stored position “SP” and an actuationposition “AP”. See FIG. 12. A handle spring 376 is employed to bias thebailout handle 370 into the actuation position AP. In at least onearrangement, the angle between the axis SP representing the storedposition and the axis AP representing the actuation position may beapproximately thirty degrees, for example. See FIG. 13. As can also beseen in FIG. 13, the bailout handle assembly 360 further includes aratchet pawl 378 that is rotatably mounted in a cavity or hole 377 inthe pivot yoke 372. The ratchet pawl 378 is configured to meshinglyengage the ratchet gear 366 when rotated in an actuation direction “AD”and then rotate out of meshing engagement when rotated in the oppositedirection. A ratchet spring 384 and ball member 386 are movablysupported in a cavity 379 in the pivot yoke 372 and serve to lockinglyengage detents 380, 382 in the ratchet pawl 378 as the bailout handle370 is actuated (ratcheted).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 10, the bailout system 330 further includesa bailout access panel 390 that is maneuverable between an open positionand a closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the bailoutaccess panel 390 is configured to be removably coupled to the housingsegment 70 of the primary housing portion 30. Thus, in at least thatembodiment, when the bailout access panel 390 is removed or detachedfrom the primary housing portion 30, it is said to be in an “open”position and when the bailout access panel 390 is attached to theprimary housing portion 30 as illustrated, it is said to be in a“closed” position. Other embodiments are contemplated, however, whereinthe access panel is movably coupled to the primary housing portion suchthat when the access panel is in the open position, it remains attachedthereto. For example, in such embodiments, the access panel may bepivotally attached to the primary housing portion or slidably attachedto the primary housing portion and be maneuverable between an openposition and a closed position. In the illustrated example, the bailoutaccess panel 390 is configured to snappingly engage correspondingportions of the housing segment 70 to removably retain it in a “closed”position. Other forms of mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, etc.could also be used.

Regardless of whether the bailout access panel 390 is detachable fromthe primary housing portion 30 or it remains movably attached to theprimary housing portion 30, the bailout access panel 390 includes adrive system locking member or yoke 392 and a bailout locking member oryoke 396 that each protrudes out from the backside thereof or areotherwise formed thereon. The drive system locking yoke 392 includes adrive shaft notch 394 that is configured to receive a portion of thesystem drive shaft 232 therein when the bailout access panel 390 isinstalled in the primary housing portion 30 (i.e., the bailout accesspanel is in the “closed” position). When the bailout access panel 390 ispositioned or installed in the closed position, the drive system lockingyoke 392 serves to bias the driven bevel gear 234 into meshingengagement with the driver bevel gear 230 (against the bias of the drivesystem spring 235). In addition, the bailout locking yoke 396 includes abailout drive shaft notch 397 that is configured to receive a portion ofthe bailout drive shaft 340 therein when the bailout access panel 390 isinstalled or positioned in the closed position. As can be seen in FIGS.5 and 10, the bailout locking yoke 396 also serves to bias the bailoutdrive gear 342 out of meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear350 (against the bias of the bailout shaft spring 348). Thus, thebailout locking yoke 396 prevents the bailout drive gear 342 frominterfering with rotation of the system drive shaft 232 when the bailoutaccess panel 390 is installed or in the closed position. In addition,the bailout locking yoke 396 includes a handle notch 398 for engagingthe bailout handle 370 and retaining it in the stored position SP.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 10 illustrate the configurations of the drive systemcomponents and the bailout system components when the bailout accesspanel 390 is installed or is in the closed position. As can be seen inthose Figures, the drive system locking member 392 biases the drivenbevel gear 234 into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230.Thus, when the bailout access panel 390 is installed or is in the closedposition, actuation of the motor 200 will result in the rotation of thedriver bevel gear 230 and ultimately the system drive shaft 232. Also,when in that position, the bailout locking yoke 396 serves to bias thebailout drive gear 342 out of meshing engagement with the bailout drivengear 350 on the system drive shaft 232. Thus, when the bailout accesspanel 390 is installed or is in the closed position, the drive system isactuatable by the motor 200 and the bailout system 330 is disconnectedor prevented from applying any actuation motion to the system driveshaft 232. To activate the bailout system 330, the clinician firstremoves the bailout access panel 390 or otherwise moves the bailoutaccess panel 390 to the open position. This action removes the drivesystem locking member 392 from engagement with the driven bevel gear 234which thereby permits the drive system spring 235 to bias the drivenbevel gear 234 out of meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230.In addition, removal of the bailout access panel 390 or movement of thebailout access panel to an open position also results in thedisengagement of the bailout locking yoke 396 with the bailout drivegear 342 which thereby permits the bailout shaft spring 348 to bias thebailout drive gear 342 into meshing engagement with the bailout drivengear 350 on the system drive shaft 232. Thus, rotation of the bailoutdrive gear 342 will result in rotation of the bailout driven gear 350and the system drive shaft 232. Removal of the bailout access panel 390or otherwise movement of the bailout access panel 390 to an openposition also permits the handle spring 376 to bias the bailout handle370 into the actuation position shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. When in thatposition, the clinician can manually ratchet the bailout handle 370 inthe ratchet directions RD which results in the rotation of the ratchetbevel gear 364 (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 14, for example) whichultimately results in the application of a retraction rotary motion tothe system drive shaft 232 through the bailout drive train 332. Theclinician may ratchet the bailout handle 370 a number of times until thesystem drive shaft 232 has been sufficiently rotated a number of timesto retract a component of the surgical end effector portion of thesurgical tool assembly that is attached to the handle assembly 20. Oncethe bailout system 330 has been sufficiently manually actuated, theclinician may then replace the bailout access panel 390 (i.e., returnthe bailout access panel 390 to the closed position) to thereby causethe drive system locking member 392 to bias the driven bevel gear 234into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230 and the bailoutlocking yoke 396 to bias the bailout drive gear 342 out of meshingengagement with the bailout driven gear 350. As was discussed above,should power be lost or interrupted, the shifter spring 266 will biasthe shifter solenoid 260 into the first actuation position. As such,actuation of the bailout system 330 will result in the application ofreversing or retraction motions to the first rotary drive system 300.

As discussed above, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise amanually-actuated bailout system configured to retract a staple firingdrive, for example. In many instances, the bailout system may need to beoperated and/or cranked more than one time to fully retract the staplefiring drive. In such instances, the user of the stapling instrument maylose track of how many times they have cranked the bailout and/orotherwise become confused as to how much further the firing drive needsto be retracted. Various embodiments are envisioned in which thestapling instrument comprises a system configured to detect the positionof a firing member of the firing drive, determine the distance in whichthe firing member needs to be retracted, and display that distance tothe user of the surgical instrument.

In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument comprises oneor more sensors configured to detect the position of the firing member.In at least one instance, the sensors comprise Hall Effect sensors, forexample, and can be positioned in a shaft and/or end effector of thestapling instrument. The sensors are in signal communication with acontroller of the surgical stapling instrument which is, in turn, insignal communication with a display on the surgical stapling instrument.The controller comprises a microprocessor configured to compare theactual position of the firing member to a datum, or reference,position—which comprises a fully retracted position of the firingmember—and calculate the distance, i.e., the remaining distance, betweenthe actual position of the firing member and the reference position.

Further to the above, the display comprises an electronic display, forexample, and the controller is configured to display the remainingdistance on the electronic display in any suitable manner. In at leastone instance, the controller displays a progress bar on the display. Insuch instances, an empty progress bar can represent that the firingmember is at the end of its firing stroke and a full progress bar canrepresent that the firing member has been fully retracted, for example.In at least one instance, 0% can represent that the firing member is atthe end of its firing stroke and 100% can represent that the firingmember has been fully retracted, for example. In certain instances, thecontroller is configured to display how many actuations of the bailoutmechanism are required to retract the firing member to its fullyretracted position on the display.

Further to the above, the actuation of the bailout mechanism canoperably disconnect a battery, or power source, of the surgical staplinginstrument from an electric motor of the firing drive. In at least oneembodiment, the actuation of the bailout mechanism flips a switch whichelectrically decouples the battery from the electric motor. Such asystem would prevent the electric motor from resisting the manualretraction of the firing member.

The illustrated handle assembly 20 also supports a third axial drivesystem that is generally designated as 400. As can be seen in FIGS. 3and 4, the third axial drive system 400, in at least one form, comprisesa solenoid 402 that has a third drive actuator member or rod 410protruding therefrom. The distal end 412 of the third drive actuatormember 410 has a third drive cradle or socket 414 formed therein forreceiving a corresponding portion of a drive system component of aninterchangeable surgical tool assembly that is operably attachedthereto. The solenoid 402 is wired to or otherwise communicates with thehandle circuit board assembly 220 and the control system or CPU 224. Inat least one arrangement, the solenoid 402 is “spring loaded” such thatwhen the solenoid 402 is unactuated, the spring component thereof biasesthe third drive actuator 410 back to an unactuated starting position.

As indicated above, the reconfigurable handle assembly 20 may beadvantageously employed to actuate a variety of differentinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies. To that end, the handleassembly 20 includes a tool mounting portion that is generallydesignated as 500 for operably coupling an interchangeable surgical toolassembly thereto. In the illustrated example, the tool mounting portion500 includes two inwardly facing dovetail receiving slots 502 that areconfigured to engage corresponding portions of a tool attachment moduleportion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each dovetailreceiving slot 502 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhatV-shaped. The dovetail receiving slots 502 are configured to releasablyreceive corresponding tapered attachment or lug portions that are formedon a portion of the tool attachment nozzle portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each interchangeable surgicaltool assembly may also be equipped with a latching system that isconfigured to releasable engage corresponding retention pockets 504 thatare formed in the tool mounting portion 500 of the handle assembly 20.

The various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may have a“primary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operably coupledto or interface with the first rotary drive system 310 as well as a“secondary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operablycoupled to or interface with the second rotary drive system 320. Theprimary and secondary rotary drive systems may be configured to providevarious rotary motions to portions of the particular type of surgicalend effector that comprises a portion of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the primary rotarydrive system to the first rotary drive system and the secondary drivesystem to the second rotary drive system 320, the tool mounting portion500 of the handle assembly 20 also includes a pair of insertion ramps506 that are configured to bias portions of the primary and secondaryrotary drive systems of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblydistally during the coupling process so as to facilitate alignment andoperable coupling of the primary rotary drive system to the first rotarydrive system 300 on the handle assembly 20 and the secondary rotarydrive system to the second rotary drive system 320 on the handleassembly 20.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly may also include a “tertiary”axial drive system for applying axial motion(s) to correspondingportions of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the tertiary axialdrive system to the third axial drive system 400 on the handle assembly20, the third drive actuator member 410 is provided with a socket 414that is configured to operably receive a lug or other portion of thetertiary axial drive system therein.

A surgical stapling tool assembly, or attachment, 11100 is depicted inFIGS. 15-30. The tool assembly 11100 is configured to capture, clamp,staple, and cut tissue during a surgical procedure. Referring primarilyto FIG. 15, the tool assembly 11100 comprises an attachment portion11200, a shaft assembly 11300, an articulation joint 11400, and an endeffector assembly 11500. The tool assembly 11100 is configured to beattached to an instrument interface by way of the attachment portion11200. The instrument interface can comprise a surgical instrumenthandle such as those disclosed herein. Other embodiments are envisionedwhere the tool assembly 11100 is not readily attachable to anddetachable from an instrument interface and, instead, is part of aunitary instrument. The attachment portion 11200 is configured toreceive rotary control motions from the instrument interface to whichthe tool assembly 11100 is attached and transfer the rotary controlmotions to the shaft assembly 11300. The shaft assembly 11300communicates these rotary control motions to the end effector assembly11500 through the articulation joint 11400.

The attachment portion 11200, illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 18,is configured to be attached to an instrument interface to provide therotary control motions generated by the instrument interface to theshaft assembly 11300. The attachment portion 11200 comprises a primaryattachment interface 11210 and a secondary attachment interface 11220supported by an attachment portion housing 11201. The attachmentinterfaces 11210, 11220 are configured to be mated, or coupled, withcorresponding attachment interfaces of the instrument interface. Thecorresponding attachment interfaces of a surgical instrument handle, forexample, can comprise of gear trains configured to be rotated by one ormore motors when actuated by a user which, when rotated, rotates theprimary attachment interface 11210 and the secondary attachmentinterface 11220.

The user may choose to rotate both interfaces 11210, 11220simultaneously or, in the alternative, to rotate the interfaces 11210,11220 independently. The primary attachment interface 11210 isconfigured to rotate an input drive shaft 11211 and an input drive gear11213 mounted thereto. The input drive shaft 11211 comprises a housingbearing 11212 configured to abut the housing 11201 and prevent the shaft11211 from translating distally. The input drive gear 11213 is operablyintermeshed with a transfer gear 11313 of the shaft assembly 11300 whichis mounted to a main drive shaft 11311. As a result, the rotation ofinterface 11210 is transferred to shaft 11311. A similar arrangement isused for the secondary attachment interface 11220. The secondaryattachment interface 11220 is configured to rotate an input drive shaft11221 and an input drive gear 11223 mounted thereto. The input driveshaft 11221 comprises a housing bearing 11222 configured to abut thehousing 11201 and prevent the shaft 11221 from translating distally. Theinput drive gear 11223 is operably intermeshed with a transfer gear11323 of the shaft assembly 11300 which is mounted to a secondary driveshaft 11321. As a result, the rotation of interface 11220 is transferredto shaft 11321. The main drive shaft 11311 is housed within a shaftassembly housing 11301. The drive shaft 11311 transfers the rotarycontrol motions from the attachment interface 11210 to the end effectorassembly 11500 through the articulation joint 11400. The secondary driveshaft 11321 is also housed within the shaft assembly housing 11301. Thesecondary drive shaft 11321 transfers the rotary control motions fromthe attachment interface 11220 to the end effector assembly 11500through the articulation joint 11400.

The articulation joint 11400 permits the end effector assembly 11500 tobe passively articulated relative to the shaft assembly housing 11301.Referring primarily to FIGS. 19 and 20, the articulation joint 11400comprises a proximal yoke 11410 attached to the shaft housing 11301, adistal yoke 11430 attached to the end effector assembly 11500, and anarticulation pin 11420 pivotably coupling the proximal yoke 11410 andthe distal yoke 11430. The articulation pin 11420 is rotatably receivedwithin proximal yoke apertures 11411 and distal yoke apertures 11431defined in the proximal yoke 11410 and the distal yoke 11430,respectively. The end effector assembly 11500 is configured to bearticulated about an articulation axis AA defined by the articulationpin 11420 in directions transverse to a longitudinal tool axis LTdefined by the tool assembly 11100 and, more specifically, the shafthousing 11301. The proximal yoke 11410 comprises an aperture 11419extending longitudinally therethrough permitting the concentric maindrive shaft 11311 and the secondary drive shaft 11321 to extendtherethrough. The articulation pin 11420 also comprises an aperture11421 extending longitudinally therethrough permitting the secondarydrive shaft 11321 to extend through the articulation pin 11420.

The articulation joint 11400 utilizes a passive articulation systemcomprising an articulation lock 11440 and detents 11413. A user maymanually pivot the end effector assembly 11500 about the articulationpin 11420 causing the distal yoke 11430 to move the articulation lock11440. As the articulation lock 11440 moves relative to the proximalyoke 11410 and rotates about the articulation pin 11420, thearticulation lock 11440 is configured to grip, or incrementally lockwith, detents 11413 defined in the proximal yoke 11410 to lock thedistal yoke 11430 in position and, as a result, lock the end effectorassembly 11500 into place. Stated another way, upon rotating the endeffector assembly 11500 about the articulation pin 11420, the passivearticulation system facilitates incremental articulation of the endeffector assembly 11500 about the articulation axis AA.

The articulation joint 11400 is further configured to transfer, orcommunicate, rotation of the main drive shaft 11311 to the end effectorassembly 11500. To transmit the rotary motion of the main drive shaft11311 through, or across, the articulation joint 11400, the articulationjoint 11400 further comprises an intermeshed gear train comprising aninput bevel gear 11415 attached to the main drive shaft 11311, an idlerbevel gear 11416 rotatable about the articulation pin 11420, and anoutput bevel gear 11417 attached to an input drive shaft 11518. As themain drive shaft 11311 rotates, the input bevel gear 11415 rotates whichrotates the idler bevel gear 11416. Rotation of the idler bevel gear11416 rotates the output bevel gear 11417 thus rotating the input driveshaft 11518 to which the output bevel gear 11417 is coupled. Thisarrangement permits the output bevel gear 11417 to rotate about thearticulation pin 11420 when the end effector assembly 11500 isarticulated while maintaining driving engagement with the main inputdrive shaft 11518.

A main input drive gear 11519 is attached to the main input drive shaft11518 and is rotated when the main input drive shaft 11518 is rotated.The main input drive gear 11519 is configured to act as the singlerotary input of the drive system 11510 which is discussed in greaterdetail below.

The articulation joint 11400 is further configured to permit thesecondary drive shaft 11321 to pass therethrough so that a drive screw11325 of the secondary drive shaft 11321 may engage a shifting assembly11550 of the drive system 11510 discussed in greater detail below. Theinput bevel gear 11415, the output bevel gear 11417, and the main inputdrive shaft 11518 each comprise apertures configured to permit thesecondary drive shaft 11321 to extend therethrough. The secondary driveshaft 11321 can be flexible, for example, to bend as the end effectorassembly 11500 is articulated about the articulation axis AA. A thrustbearing 11326 is mounted to the secondary drive shaft 11321 to preventthe secondary drive shaft 11321 from being pulled through the main inputdrive shaft 11518 when the end effector assembly 11500 is articulated.The bearing 11326 abuts, or is bounded by, the main input drive gear11519.

The articulation joint 11400 supports the end effector frame 11600 byattaching the proximal jaw 11610 of the end effector frame 11600 to thedistal yoke 11430. The distal yoke 11430 comprises a sleeve portion11433 having an outer surface and an inner surface where the outersurface is engaged by the end effector frame 11600 and the inner surfaceis configured to slidably support the shifting assembly 11550.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 17 and 19, the end effector assembly 11500comprises a drive system 11510, an end effector frame 11600, a closureframe 11700 moveable relative to the end effector frame 11600, and areplaceable staple cartridge assembly 11800 configured to be installedinto the end effector frame 11600. The drive system 11510 comprises asingle rotary input which is configured to receive the rotary controlmotions from the shaft assembly 11300 and the articulation joint 11400to selectively drive a closure drive 11530 and a firing drive 11540 ofthe drive system 11510. The closure drive 11530 is configured tointeract with the closure frame 11700 and portions of the staplecartridge assembly 11800 to move the closure frame 11700 and the staplecartridge assembly 11800 relative to the end effector frame 11600 into acapture stage position in order to capture tissue within the endeffector assembly 11500. The capture stage involves automaticallydeploying a tissue-retention pin mechanism 11870 having atissue-retention pin 11871. The closure drive can then be used to movethe closure frame 11700 to a clamp stage position to clamp tissue withthe staple cartridge assembly 11800. Once the tool assembly 11100 is inthe fully clamped configuration, the firing drive 11540 can be operatedto eject a plurality of staples 11880 from the staple cartridge assembly11800 and deploy a knife 11840 from a staple cartridge body 11810 of thestaple cartridge assembly to staple and cut tissue captured and clampedby the staple cartridge assembly 11800. The shifting assembly 11550provides a user the ability to shift between the drivability of theclosure drive 11530, the drivability of the firing drive 11540, and thesimultaneous drivability of both the closure drive 11530 and the firingdrive 11540.

The staple cartridge assembly 11800 is configured to be replaceable. Thestaple cartridge assembly 11800 can be installed within the end effectorframe 11600 such that, upon installation, the staple cartridge assembly11800 is operably engaged with the closure frame 11700 and the drivesystem 11510. Referring now primarily to FIG. 16, the end effector frame11600 comprises a proximal jaw 11610, a distal jaw 11630, and aconnecting portion 11620 connecting the proximal jaw 11610 and thedistal jaw 11630. The proximal jaw 11610 operably supports the drivesystem 11510 and the closure frame 11700 and is configured to slidablyreceive and moveably support the staple cartridge body 11810. The distaljaw 11630 is configured to slidably receive and fixedly support an anvilportion 11830 of the staple cartridge assembly 11800. The anvil portion11830 comprises a staple forming surface 11831 configured to form thestaples 11880 and a knife slot 11835 configured to at least partiallyreceive the knife 11840 therein. The connecting portion 11620 isconfigured to receive and support an anvil frame 11820 of the staplecartridge assembly 11800 having a locator pin arrangement 11821. Thelocating pin arrangement 11821 can allow for quicker and/or easierloading of the staple cartridge assembly 11800 into the end effectorassembly 11500. The locating pin feature 11821 corresponds to a locatingpin indentation in the connecting portion 11620 of the end effectorframe 11600. The staple cartridge assembly 11800 further comprises aguide pin 11823. The cartridge body 11810 is configured to move relativeto the end effector frame 11600 using the knife and cartridge guide pin11823 for support and guiding purposes.

The cartridge body 11810 comprises a cartridge deck 11811 having aplurality of staple cavities 11818 configured to removably store thestaples 11880, a knife slot 11815 within which the knife 11840 ismovably positioned, and a pair of pin slots 11812 configured to receivethe pins 11823 and 11871 therein. The cartridge deck 11811 furthercomprises a closure stop 11813 that is configured to abut the anvilportion 11830 when the cartridge body 11810 is advanced toward thestaple forming surface 11831. The closure stop 11813 defines a minimumdistance achievable between the deck 11811 and the staple formingsurface 11831 when the closure stop is abutted against the stapleforming surface 11831. That said, it is envisioned that the closure stop11813 may not contact the staple forming surface 11831 when thick tissueis being stapled, for example.

The closure frame 11700 comprises cartridge driving tabs 11701 andcartridge grasping recesses, or features, 11703 configured to engage thecartridge body 11810 and permit the closure frame 11700 to push thecartridge body 11810 toward the distal jaw 11630 and retract thecartridge body 11810 away from the distal jaw 11630. The cartridgedriving tabs 11701 engage driving surfaces 11801 of the staple cartridgebody 11810 such that the closure frame 11700 can push, or drive, thecartridge body 11810 toward the anvil portion 11830 when the closureframe 11700 is moved distally by the closure drive 11530. The cartridgegrasping features 11703 act as hooks, or arms, and are configured topull the cartridge 11810 proximally when the closure frame 11700 ismoved proximally by the closure drive 11530.

Turning now to FIG. 17, the staple cartridge assembly 11800 furthercomprises a plurality of drivers 11851 supported by a staple driver base11850. The drivers 11851 are configured to support the staples 11880 andpush the staples 11880 out of their respective staple cavities 11818.The staple driver base 11850 and the knife 11840 are driven by a maindriver 11860 which interacts with a firing bar 11560 of the drive system11510. The knife 11840 is attached to the main driver 11860 by the knifesupports 11843. The firing drive 11540 interacts with the main driver11860 such that, when the firing drive 11540 is actuated, the firing bar11560 pushes the main driver 11860 distally and ultimately ejects thestaples 11880 from the staple cartridge assembly 11800 and deploys theknife 11840. The firing drive 11540 can be operated to retract thefiring bar 11560 which retracts the main driver 11860 using a kniferetraction arm 11561 engaged with the firing bar 11560 and the maindriver 11860. The main driver 11860 comprises a slot 11863 configured toreceive the knife retraction arm 11561 and, in addition, a firing barguide pin 11865 configured to act as an alignment interface between thefiring bar 11560 and the main driver 11860.

As discussed above, the drive system 11510 of the end effector assembly11500 is engaged with the single rotary input, or the main input drivegear 11519, to effect multiple functions of the tool assembly 11100.Referring now to FIG. 24, the drive system 11510 comprises a closuredrive 11530, a firing drive 11540, and the shifting assembly 11550 toselectively shift between the drivability of the closure drive 11530,the drivability of the firing drive 11540, and the simultaneousdrivability of both the closure drive 11530 and the firing drive 11540.As discussed above, the interface 11220 can be selectively rotated tooperate the shaft 11321. The shaft 11321 comprises a threaded portion,or drive screw, 11325 which is threadably engaged with the shiftingassembly 11550. The shifting assembly 11550 is moveable longitudinallyalong the longitudinal tool axis LT using the drive screw 11325 of thesecondary drive shaft 11321. When the secondary attachment interface11220 is rotated, the shifting assembly 11550 moves relative to thedistal yoke 11430. It is envisioned that a motor and/or solenoid ispositioned within the end effector assembly 11500 in lieu of the shaft11321 to move the shifting assembly 11550 between the describedpositions.

The closure drive 11530 comprises an input drive shaft having an inputdrive gear 11539 and an input splined portion 11538. The input drivegear 11539 is operably intermeshed with the main input drive gear 11519.The closure drive 11530 further comprises an output shaft having anoutput splined portion 11537 and a threaded portion 11536. The outputshaft of the closure drive 11530 is aligned with the input drive shaftof the closure drive 11530. When the main input drive gear 11519 isrotated, the output shaft of the closure drive 11530 is rotated inunison with the input drive shaft of the closure drive 11530 only whenthe splined portions 11538, 11537 are coupled by the shifting assembly11550. The threaded portion 11536 of the output shaft of the closuredrive 11530 is threadably received by a threaded bore 11736 of theclosure frame 11700. When the output shaft of the closure drive 11530 isrotated, the closure frame 11700 moves relative to the end effectorframe 11600 causing the staple cartridge body 11810 to be advanceddistally toward the anvil portion 11830 to clamp tissue within the endeffector assembly 11500.

The firing drive 11540 also comprises an input drive shaft having theinput drive gear 11549 and an input splined portion 11548. The inputdrive gear 11549 is also operably intermeshed with the main input drivegear 11519. The firing drive 11540 further comprises an output shafthaving an output splined portion 11547 and an input splined portion11546. The output shaft of the firing drive 11540 further comprises atubular firing shaft 11545 which receives the input splined portion11546 within a firing shaft bore 11545B. The tubular firing shaft 11545is rotatably engaged with a rib 11546S of the input splined portion11546 so that the tubular firing shaft 11545 can move longitudinallyrelative to the input splined portion 11546 while maintaining arotating, drivable relationship with the input splined portion 11546.The output shaft of the firing drive 11540 is aligned with the inputdrive shaft of the firing drive 11540. When the main input drive gear11519 is rotated, the output shaft of the firing drive 11540 is rotatedin unison with the input drive shaft of the firing drive 11540 only whenthe splined portions 11548, 11547 are coupled by the shifting assembly11550.

The tubular firing shaft 11545 further comprises a firing shaft ground11544 and, in addition, a threaded output shaft 11543 threadablyreceived by the firing bar 11560. When the closure frame 11700 isadvanced distally by the closure drive 11530, the closure frame 11700pushes the firing bar 11560 distally. As the firing bar is advanceddistally by the closure frame 11700, the tubular firing shaft 11545 ispulled distally relative to the input splined portion 11546 by thefiring bar 11560 owing to at least the threaded engagement of thethreaded output shaft 11543 and the firing bar 11560. The tubular firingshaft 11545 is journably received by a firing bore 11745 defined in theclosure frame 11700 to permit rotation of the tubular firing shaft 11545within the closure frame 11700. When the splined portions 11548, 11547are coupled, the tubular firing shaft 11545 of the firing drive 11540 isrotated by the input splined portion 11546 and, also, the firing shaftground 11544 of the tubular firing shaft 11545 pushes against the firingledge 11744 of the closure frame 11700. Utilizing the ledge 11744 as amovable grounding mechanism, the tubular firing shaft 11545 drives thefiring bar 11560 distally, by the threaded output shaft 11543, thusdeploying the knife 11840 and ejecting the staples 11880 from the staplecavities 11818.

The shifting assembly 11550 permits the user to shift between thedrivability options discussed above by coupling and uncoupling the setsof splined portions 11537, 11538 and 11547, 11548. The shifting assembly11550 comprises a threaded aperture 11555 threadably receiving the drivescrew 11325 of the secondary drive shaft 11321 such that, when the drivescrew 11325 is rotated, the shifter assembly 11550 moves longitudinallyrelative to the sets of splined portions 11537, 11538 and 11547, 11548.The shifting assembly 11550 further comprises a splined closurecoupling, or clutch ring, 11553 corresponding to the closure drive 11530and a splined firing coupling, or clutch ring, 11554 corresponding tothe firing drive 11540. The splined couplings 11553, 11554 arecylindrical, tube-like couplings journably supported within the shiftingassembly 11550 and are permitted to rotate within the shifting assembly11550. The splined couplings 11553, 11554 each have inner shellscomprising a splined configuration such that the couplings 11553, 11554can couple, or mate, the sets of splined shaft portions 11537, 11538 and11547, 11548, respectively. When the shifting assembly 11550 is shiftedto place the end effector assembly 11500 in a tissue clampingconfiguration, the closure coupling 11553 is engaged with the splinedportions 11537, 11538. The closure coupling 11553 transfers the rotationof the splined shaft portion 11538 to the splined shaft portion 11537,thus rotating the output shaft of the closure drive 11530. When theshifting assembly 11550 is shifted to place the end effector assembly11500 in a tissue cutting and stapling configuration, the firingcoupling 11554 is engaged with the splined portions 11547, 11548. Thefiring coupling 11554 transfers the rotation of the input splinedportion 11548 to the output splined portion 11547, thus rotating theoutput shaft of the firing drive 11540. The shifting assembly 11550 alsocomprises a cylindrical recess 11556 permitting the shifting assembly11550 to nest against the thrust bearing 11326 of the secondary driveshaft 11321 when moved proximally to the second position.

The user of the tool assembly 11100 can shift the tool assembly 11100between a clamping condition and a staple forming condition depending onwhat function they wish to perform via a controller onboard the toolassembly 11100 and/or the instrument interface to which the toolassembly 11100 is attached. The controller would communicate to a motorto actuate either the primary attachment interface 11210, the secondaryattachment interface 11220, or both the primary attachment interface11210 and the secondary attachment interface 11220 simultaneously.Referring now to FIGS. 25-30, the interaction and engagement between thedrive system 11510 and the end effector assembly 11500 will now bediscussed in relation to the capable functions of the tool assembly11100 including capturing, clamping, stapling, and cutting tissue.

FIG. 25 illustrates the tool assembly 11100 in an open, or initial,configuration. The shifting assembly 11550 is in a first position wherethe closure coupling 11553 couples the splined shaft portions 11538,11537 of the closure drive 11530 enabling the output shaft of theclosure drive 11530 to be driven upon rotation of the main input drivegear 11519. The firing coupling 11554 is in a position where it is onlymated with the output shaft of the firing drive 11540. In this instance,the firing coupling 11554 is not a position configured to mate thesplined shaft portions 11538, 11537. In this position, the firingcoupling 11554 does not rotate within the shifting assembly 11550because the output shaft of the firing drive 11540 is not driven uponrotation of the main input drive gear 11519.

The actuation of the closure drive 11530 performs two functions; pin(capture) tissue within the end effector assembly 11500 and clamp thetissue within the end effector assembly 11500. To capture the tissuewith the tissue-retention pin 11871, the primary attachment interface11210 is actuated while the shifting assembly 11550 is in the firstposition. The main input drive gear 11519 is driven and, because theclosure coupling is engaged with both splined portions 11538, 11537 ofthe closure drive 11530, the output shaft of the closure drive 11530 isrotated advancing the closure frame 11700 distally. This initial, distalmovement of the closure frame 11700 automatically deploys thetissue-retention pin mechanism 11870 with a lever 11770. A couplerportion 11873 having a coupler recess 11876 is configured to receive alever tip 11774 extending from a pair of lever arms 11772 to couple thetissue-retention pin mechanism 11870 and the lever 11770. A cartridgecap 11878 having a cap window 11877 and cap base 11875 permits the lever11770 to engage the staple cartridge assembly 11800 to interact with thepin mechanism 11870. The cap base 11875 defines a ground position forpin the coupler portion 11873 and, thus, the pin mechanism 11870. Todeploy the pin 11871, the lever 11770 interfaces with the end effectorframe 11600, the closure frame 11700, and the tissue-retention pinmechanism 11870. The lever 11770 comprises a ground pin 11771 supportedwithin a frame aperture 11671 of the end effector frame 11600 and aframe slot 11741 of the closure frame 11700. The ground pin 11771defines a lever rotating axis. The lever 11770 also comprises lever arms11772 having actuation tines 11773 configured for engagement with aclosure frame cam slot 11743 of the closure frame 11700. The leverfurther comprises a lever tip 11774 configured for engagement with thecoupler portion 11873 of the pin mechanism 11870.

As best seen in FIGS. 21-23, the closure frame cam slot 11743 of theclosure frame 11700 comprises an initial cam slot portion 11743Aconfigured to drive the actuation tines 11773 distally causing the lever11770 to rotate about the lever rotating axis thus lifting the lever tip11774 to drive the pin 11871 out of its corresponding pin slot 11812 andtoward the distal jaw 11630. The closure frame cam slot 11743 alsocomprises a final cam slot portion 11743B to permit clearance in theclosure frame 11700 for the actuation tines 11773 during the clampingstage discussed in greater detail below. The actuation tines 11773 abutthe final cam slot portion 11743B during the clamping stage to preventthe tissue-retention pin 11871 from retracting, or opening during theclamping and/or firing/stapling stage. The frame slot 11741 alsoprovides clearance but for the ground pin 11771 during the clampingstage. This initial actuation stage of the closure drive 11530 completesan initial capture stage in which the tissue-retention pin 11871 isdeployed into engagement with the distal jaw 11630 and/or anvil portion11830 of the staple cartridge assembly 11800. This initial capturestage, seen in FIG. 26, can be sufficient to capture tissue with thetool assembly 11100.

During the initial capture stage, the closure frame 11700 also advancesportions of the staple cartridge assembly 11800 and the firing bar 11560toward the distal jaw 11630. The cartridge driving tabs 11701 drive thecartridge body 11810 and the closure frame 11700 drives the tubularfiring shaft 11545 and the firing bar 11560. Other, and/or additional,contact points may be provided between the closure frame 11700, thefiring drive 11540, and the staple cartridge assembly 11800 to aid inthe advancement of certain parts of the end effector assembly 11500. Asdiscussed above, the tubular firing shaft 11545 and the input splinedportion 11546 of the output shaft of the firing drive 11540 can movelongitudinally relative to each other while maintaining a rotatabledriving relationship. This facilitates the extension of the output shaftof the firing drive 11540 so that the tubular firing shaft 11545 may bedriven when the input splined portion 11546 is driven after the closureframe 11700 is advanced.

FIG. 27 illustrates the tool assembly 11100 in a fully clampedconfiguration after a final actuation stage of the closure drive 11530.The closure stop 11813 is bounded by the anvil portion 11830 and thetissue-retention pin mechanism 11870 is fully deployed. To fully deploythe tissue-retention pin mechanism 11870, the closure frame cam slot11743 comprises a final cam slot end 11743C to advance the actuationtines 11773 to a final position. This configuration of the tool assembly11100 is considered to be a fully clamped position. The user may decideto actuate the closure drive in an opposite direction to retract theclosure drive and thus unclamp and uncapture the tissue, or, the usermay decide to shift the shifting assembly to a second position, shown inFIG. 28, to fire the tool assembly 11100.

To move the shifting assembly to the second position shown in FIG. 28,the user can actuate the secondary attachment interface 11220 thusrotating the drive screw 11325 to move the shifting assembly 11550proximally to the second position. The shifting assembly 11550 isconfigured to nest against the thrust bearing 11326 upon moving to thesecond position. In the second position, the firing coupling 11554 ofthe shifting assembly 11550 couples the splined shaft portions 11548,11547 of the firing drive 11540 enabling the output shaft of the firingdrive 11540 to be driven upon rotation of the main input drive gear11519. Moving the shifting assembly 11550 to the second position alsodecouples the splined shaft portions 11538, 11537 of the closure drive11530. The closure coupling 11553 rotates within the shifting assembly11550 when the main input drive gear 11519 is driven but, because theclosure coupling 11553 is only mated to the input splined portion 11548,the output shaft of the closure drive 11530 will not rotate.

The user can now actuate the firing drive 11540 by driving the primaryattachment interface 11210 to drive the main drive shaft 11311.Actuation of the firing drive 11540 rotates the output splined portion11546 thus rotating the tubular firing shaft 11545. The tubular firingshaft 11545 rotates within the firing bore 11745 of the closure frame11700. When the tubular firing shaft 11545 is rotated, the firing shaftground 11544 of the tubular firing shaft 11545 pushes off of, or isgrounded by, the firing ledge 11744 of the closure frame 11700. Rotationof the tubular firing shaft 11545 rotates the threaded output shaft11543 thus driving the firing bar 11560 distally. The distal movement ofthe firing bar 11560 deploys the knife 11840 out of the cartridge body11810 and drives the staples 11880 out of the staple cavities 11818 withthe staple drivers 11851 and driver base 11850. The knife 11840 cuts thetissue clamped with the end effector assembly 11500 and the staples11880 staple the tissue clamped with the end effector assembly.

At the stage illustrated in FIG. 29, a user can retract the firing bar11560 by actuating the primary attachment interface 11210 in an oppositedirection thus pulling the drive bar 11560 and the knife 11840proximally. The firing bar 11560 comprises an aperture 11565 configuredto journably support the firing bar guide pin 11865 to maintainalignment of the firing bar 11560 and the main driver 11860 duringmovement of the firing bar 11560 and the main driver 11860. The firingbar 11560 also comprises a slot 11563 configured to receive the kniferetraction arm 11561 such that when the firing bar 11560 is movedproximally, the firing bar 11560 can pull, or retract, the knife 11840proximally. Another option for the user can involve shifting theshifting assembly 11550 to a third position which is intermediate thefirst position and the second position by actuating the secondaryattachment interface 11220. This third position, illustrated in FIG. 30,places both of the couplings 11553, 11554 into coupling engagement withtheir respective sets of splined portions 11538, 11537 and 11548, 11547.The user can then actuate the primary attachment interface 11210 in areversing direction to actuate the main input drive gear 11519 and driveboth the output shaft of the closure drive 11530 and the output shaft ofthe firing drive 11540 simultaneously. A user may desire thissimultaneous drivability at any point during use of the tool assembly11100 to provide a quick retraction method in the event the user wantsto withdraw the tool assembly 11100 from a surgical site. The controlleronboard the instrument interface can be programmed to automaticallyshift the shifting assembly 11550 to the third position and reverse themain input drive gear 11519 by simultaneously actuating both attachmentinterfaces 11210, 11220.

A tool assembly 11100′ is illustrated in FIGS. 30A-30G. The toolassembly 11100′ is similar to the tool assembly 11100 in many respects.Referring primarily to FIG. 30A, the tool assembly 11100′ comprises anattachment portion 11200, a shaft 11300 extending from the attachmentportion 11200, an end effector 11500′, and an articulation joint 11400′connecting the end effector 11500′ to the shaft 11300. Referringprimarily to FIG. 30B, the end effector 11500′ comprises an end effectorframe 11600′, a staple cartridge 11800′ which is insertable into andremovable from the end effector frame 11600′, and an anvil jaw 11630′.The staple cartridge 11800′ comprises a cartridge body 11810′ which isslidable relative to the anvil jaw 11630′ between an open, unclampedposition (FIG. 30D) and a closed, clamped position (FIG. 30E). Asdescribed in greater detail below, the tool assembly 11100′ comprises aclosure drive 11530′ configured to move the cartridge body 11810′between its unclamped and clamped positions. Referring primarily to FIG.30F, the tool assembly 11100′ also comprises a firing drive 11540′configured to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge11800′ after the cartridge body 11810′ has been moved into its clampedposition, which is also described in greater detail below.

As described above, the articulation joint 11400 comprises a proximalyoke 11410 and a distal yoke 11430 which are rotatably connected by apin 11420. The articulation joint 11400′ comprises a similar arrangementincluding a proximal yoke 11410′ and a distal yoke 11430′. Furthermore,as also described above, the articulation joint 11400 comprises bevelgears 11415, 11416, and 11417 which are operably intermeshed to transmitthe rotation of a drive shaft 11311 to a drive system 11510. Thearticulation joint 11400′ comprises a similar arrangement of bevel gearsconfigured to transmit the rotary motion of shaft 11311 to a drivesystem 11510′. Moreover, the articulation joint 11400′ comprises asecond set of intermeshed bevel gears 11495′ and 11496′ nested with thebevel gears 11415, 11416, and 11417 which are configured to articulatethe end effector 11500′ relative to the shaft 11300. The bevel gear11495′ is rotatably supported by the proximal yoke 11410′ and isoperably engaged with an articulation input shaft 11391′ (FIG. 30D) andthe bevel gear 11496′. The bevel gear 11496′ is fixedly mounted to thedistal yoke 11430′. A portion of the bevel gear 11496′ extends into anotch 11439′ of the distal yoke 11430′. Rotation of the input shaft11391′ in a first direction rotates the end effector 11500′ in a firstdirection and, similarly, rotation of the input shaft 11391′ in asecond, or opposite, direction rotates the end effector 11500′ in asecond, or opposite, direction. The tool assembly 11100′ may be actuatedby an electric motor of the instrument interface to which the assembly11100′ is attached to rotate the input shaft 11391′; however, the toolassembly 11100′ can be actuated by any suitable means.

Similar to the drive system 11510 of the end effector 11500, the drivesystem 11510′ of the end effector 11500′ comprises an input gear 11519which is operably engaged with the bevel gear 11417 and operablyintermeshed with a drive gear 11539 of the closure drive 11530′ and adrive gear 11549 of the firing drive 11540′. Also similar to the drivesystem 11510, the drive system 11510′ comprises a shifter block, orassembly, 11550′ movable between a first position (FIGS. 30D and 30E)and a second position (FIG. 30F) to shift the shaft assembly 11100′between a closing, or clamping, operating mode and a firing operatingmode, respectively. The drive gear 11539 is mounted to a spline shaft11538′ and, when the shifter block 11550′ is in its first position(FIGS. 30D and 30E), the spline shaft 11538′ is rotatably coupled to aspline shaft 11537′ of the closure drive 11530′. The spline shaft 11537′comprises a threaded distal end 11536 threadably engaged with a closureframe 11700′ and, when the spline shaft 11537′ is rotated by the splineshaft 11538′ in a first direction, the closure frame 11700′ and thecartridge body 11810′ are displaced distally as illustrated in FIG. 30Eto close the end effector 11500′. Notably, the rotation of the drivegear 11549 of the firing drive 11540′ is not transmitted through theshifter block 11550′ to the distal portion of the firing drive 11540′when the shifter block 11550′ is in its first position. As a result, theclosure drive 11530′ operates independently of the firing drive 11540′and, moreover, the firing drive 11540′ cannot be operated until theshifter block 11550′ is shifted into its second position.

Further to the above, the drive gear 11549 is mounted to a spline shaft11548′ and, when the shifter block 11550′ is in its second position(FIG. 30F), the shifter block 11550′ rotatably couples the spline shaft11548′ to a spline shaft 11547′ of the firing drive 11540′. The splineshaft 11547′ comprises a distal end 11546 keyed to a rotatable driveshaft 11545 of the firing drive 11540′ such that the spline shaft 11547′and the drive shaft 11545 rotate together. The drive shaft 11545includes a threaded distal end 11543 threadably engaged with a firingblock 11560′ wherein, when the spline shaft 11547′ is rotated by thespline shaft 11548′ in a first direction, the firing block 11560′ isdisplaced distally to fire the staples from the staple cartridge 11800′and cut the tissue captured between the staple cartridge body 11810′ andthe anvil jaw 11630′. Similar to the firing drive 11540, describedabove, the firing drive 11540′ comprises a staple driver 11850′, a knifeblock 11860′, and a knife 11840′ which are pushed distally by the firingblock 11560′ during a firing stroke of the firing drive 11540′. Notably,the rotation of the drive gear 11539 of the closure drive 11530′ is nottransmitted through the shifter block 11550′ to the distal portion ofthe closure drive 11530′ when the shifter block 11550′ is its secondposition. As a result, the firing drive 11540′ operates independently ofthe closure drive 11530′.

Upon comparing FIGS. 30D and 30E, further to the above, the readershould appreciate that the firing drive 11540′ extends, or telescopes,when the closure drive 11530′ is operated to close the end effector11550′. As a result, the distal end 11546 of the spline shaft 11547′remains rotatably engaged with the drive shaft 11545. Referringprimarily to FIG. 30C, the closure frame 11700′ comprises a hook 11744′configured to abut a collar 11544 defined on the drive shaft 11545 andpull the drive shaft 11545 distally when the closure frame 11700′ isdriven distally to close the end effector 11550′. When the closure drive11530′ is operated to re-open the end effector 11500′, as describedbelow, the drive shaft 11545 is pushed proximally to collapse the firingdrive 11540′.

After the firing stroke of the firing drive 11540′, the spline shaft11548′ is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction to pull the firingblock 11560′, the knife block 11860′, and the knife 11840′ proximally.Notably, the staple driver 11850′ is not retracted with the firing block11560′; however, the staple driver 11850′ could be retracted in otherembodiments. Once the knife 11840′ has been retracted sufficiently belowthe deck of the cartridge body 11810′, the shifter block 11550′ can beshifted back into its first position to operably decouple the firingdrive 11540′ from the drive shaft 11311 and, also, operably recouple theclosure drive 11530′ with the drive shaft 11311. At such point, thespline shaft 11538′ can be rotated in a second, or opposite, directionto pull the cartridge body 11810′ and the closure frame 11700′proximally and re-open the end effector 11500′.

The end effector 11500′ comprises a motor 11322′ configured to move theshifter block 11550′ between its first and second positions, asdescribed above. The motor 11322′ comprises a housing positioned withina motor support 11329′ mounted in the closure frame 11700′. The housingof the motor 11322′ is fixedly mounted within the motor support 11329′such that the housing does not move relative to the motor support11329′. The motor 11322′ further comprises a rotatable output shaft11325′ which is threadably engaged with a threaded aperture 11555defined in the shifter block 11550′. When the motor 11322′ is operatedin a first direction, the threaded output shaft 11325′ moves the shifterblock 11550′ into its first position. When the motor 11322′ is operatedin a second direction, the threaded output shaft 11325′ moves theshifter block 11550′ into its second position.

Referring primarily to FIG. 30G, a battery and controller system 11324′is configured to communicate with and power the motor 11322′. When auser and/or computer of the surgical instrument interface to which theinstrument 11100′ is attached wants to shift the shifting block 11550′,a signal is wirelessly sent to the battery and controller system 11324,for example. In other instances, the signal can be communicated to thesystem 11324′ via conductor. This signal is then communicated to themotor 11322′ to activate the motor 11322′. In at least one alternativeembodiment, a solenoid can be utilized to shift the shifter block11550′.

As the reader should appreciate, it can be important to prolong thebattery life for such a system. The instrument 11100′ is configured toharvest kinetic energy during various stages of operation. Theinstrument 11100′ comprises an energy-harvesting system that can convertthe movement of the drive system 11510′ to electrical energy and storythat energy in the battery. The energy-harvesting system comprises acoil 11327′ housed with the distal yoke 11430′ and positioned near aproximal portion of the closure drive 11530′. The coil 11327′ iselectrically coupled to the battery and controller system 11324′ viaconductors 11326′. A shaft extending proximally from the drive gear11539 comprises a magnetic disc 11328′ mounted thereon. As the closuredrive 11530′ is rotated, the magnetic disc 11328′ rotates in closeproximity with the coil 11327′ to generate a current within theenergy-harvesting system.

The energy-harvesting system can act as a generator when the shifterblock 11550′ is in a neutral position (FIG. 30G). In this neutralposition, the splined coupling 11554 is meshed only with the splineshaft 11547′ and, similarly, the splined coupling 11553 is meshed onlywith the spline shaft 11537′. Thus, when the drive input 11519 isrotated, the energy-harvesting system is configured to generate energyto recharge the battery though not performing any instrument functions.Notably, the energy-harvesting system can also act as a generator whenthe shifter block 11550′ is in its first position and its secondposition. While clamping and/or firing, in such instances, the magneticdisc 11328′ is rotated by the input 11539 regardless of which instrumentfunction is being actuated. The energy harvested may be supplied to thebattery and/or the motor 11322′ during the clamping and/or firingoperations of the end effector 11500′.

A surgical stapling attachment, or tool assembly, 12100 is depicted inFIGS. 31-50. The tool assembly, or instrument, 12100 is configured tocapture, clamp, and staple tissue during a surgical procedure. Referringprimarily to FIGS. 31-33, the tool assembly 12100 comprises anattachment portion 12200, a shaft assembly 12300, an articulation joint12400, and an end effector assembly 12500. The tool assembly 12100 isconfigured to be attached to an instrument interface by way of theattachment portion 12200. The instrument interface can comprise asurgical instrument handle such as those disclosed herein. Otherembodiments are envisioned where the tool assembly 12100 is not readilyattachable to and detachable from an instrument interface and, instead,is part of a unitary instrument. The attachment portion 12200 isconfigured to receive rotary control motions from the instrumentinterface to which the tool assembly 12100 is attached and transfer therotary control motions to the shaft assembly 12300. The shaft assembly12300 communicates these rotary control motions through the articulationjoint 12400 and to the end effector assembly 12500.

The attachment portion 12200 comprises a transmission system 12210.Shown in FIG. 34, the transmission system 12210, housed within anattachment portion housing 12201, comprises an attachment interface12220 comprising a coupler portion 12223. The coupler portion 12223 isconfigured to be operably coupled to an instrument interface. Thetransmission further comprises a housing bearing 12221, an input shaft12211 coupled to the coupler portion 12223, and an input drive gear12213 attached to the input shaft 12211. Upon actuation of the couplerportion 12223 by the instrument interface, the input drive gear 12213drives a main drive shaft gear 12313 to drive a main drive shaft 12311attached to the main drive shaft gear 12313.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 35-38, the end effector assembly 12500comprises a drive system 12510, an end effector frame 12600, a closureframe 12700 moveable relative to the end effector frame 12600, and areplaceable staple cartridge assembly 12800 configured to be installedinto the end effector frame 12600. The drive system 12510 comprises asingle rotary input which is configured to receive the rotary controlmotions from the shaft assembly 12300 and drive a main drive 12520 toclamp tissue with the tool assembly 12100. The main drive 12520 isconfigured to interact with the end effector assembly 12500 to move theclosure frame 12700 and, as a result, the staple cartridge assembly12800 distally. Distal movement of the closure frame 12700 also resultsin an automatic deployment of a tissue-retention pin 12860 of the staplecartridge assembly 12800 to capture tissue. The main drive 12520 isfurther configured to fire the tool assembly 12100 once the toolassembly 12100 attains a fully clamped configuration. Firing the toolassembly 12100 includes deploying a plurality of staples from the staplecartridge assembly 12800 to staple tissue captured and clamped by thetool assembly 12100.

The end effector frame 12600 houses the various components of the endeffector assembly 12500. The end effector frame 12600 houses the closureframe 12700 and the staple cartridge assembly 12800. Relative movementof the closure frame 12700 and the staple cartridge assembly 12800within the end effector frame 12600 is permitted. The end effector frame12600 comprises a proximal neck portion 12610, a first side frame12620A, and a second side frame 12620B. The proximal neck portion 12610is attached, or coupled, to the articulation joint 12400. Thearticulation joint 12400 comprises a flexible neck 12401 configured topermit a user of the tool assembly 12100 to passively articulate the endeffector assembly 12500 relative to a shaft housing 12301. Embodimentsare envisioned where the tool assembly 12100 does not comprise anarticulation joint and the proximal neck portion 12610 is attacheddirectly to the shaft housing 12301 of the shaft assembly 12300.

The proximal neck portion 12610 and the first and second side frames12620A, 12620B house certain components of the end effector assembly12500 including the drive system 12510. The first and second side frames12620A, 12620B each comprise a proximal jaw portion 12621A, 12621B, anintermediate jaw portion 12622A, 12622B, and a distal jaw portion12623A, 12623B, respectively. The distal jaw portions 12623A, 12623B areheld together at least by an anvil 12640 having a staple forming surface12641. Bolts, screws, and/or rivet configurations, for example, can beused to attach the side frames 12620A, 12620B to each other. The endeffector frame 12600 further comprises a spacer member 12630 positionedbetween the intermediate jaw portions 12622A, 12622B to provide a gapfor a portion or portions of the staple cartridge assembly 12800 toslide between the intermediate portions 12622A, 12622B of the sideframes 12620A, 12620B upon moving relative to the end effector frame12600.

The closure frame 12700 is configured to push the staple cartridgeassembly 12800 distally toward the anvil 12640 upon actuation of themain drive 12510. The closure frame 12700 comprises cartridge bodydriving surfaces 12708 to contact and drive a staple cartridge body12810 of the staple cartridge assembly 12800. The staple cartridge body12810 comprises a deck 12811, a plurality of staple cavities 12813, anda closure stop 12815. The staple cartridge assembly 12800 also comprisesa plurality staples 12830 removably stored within the staple cavities12813. The plurality of staples 12830 are configured to be formedagainst the staple forming surface 12641. The tool assembly 12100 isassumed to have reached a fully-clamped configuration when the closurestop 12815 abuts the staple forming surface 12641 and/or is seatedwithin a recess defined in the anvil 12640. Embodiments are alsoenvisioned where the closure stop 12815 never reaches the anvil 12640 orthe staple forming surface 12641 and, instead, is positioned adjacent tothe staple forming surface 12641 when the staple cartridge assembly12800 reaches its fully clamped position. Controlling the distancebetween the deck 12811 and the staple forming surface 12641 infully-clamped configuration can be accomplished using the drive system12510 discussed in greater detailed below.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, the end effector assembly 12500 is illustratedin an unlocked configuration prior to actuation of the drive system12510. The end effector assembly 12500 is configured to utilize therotary motions provided by the main drive shaft 12311 to capture, clamp,and staple tissue with the tool assembly 12100. To capture tissue withthe tool assembly 12100, the closure frame 12700 is advanced, oractuated, to actuate the pin actuation mechanism 12560. Actuation of thepin actuation mechanism 12560 deploys a tissue-retention pin 12860 ofthe staple cartridge assembly 12800. The pin actuation mechanism 12560comprises a pin lever 12561 and a ground pin 12565 extending fixedlyfrom the end effector frame 12600. The ground pin 12565 defines aretaining pin axis about which the pin lever 12561 rotates. The closureframe 12700 comprises a pair of ground pin slots 12706 defined onopposite sides thereof to provide clearance for the ground pin 12565 sothat the closure frame 12700 can move relative to the ground pin 12565.The pin lever 12561 comprises a pair of lever arms 12562 comprising apair of actuation projections, or tines, 12563 received within a pair ofcam slots 12702 defined in the closure frame 12700. The cam slots 12702are configured to displace the actuation projections 12563 distally andlaterally as the closure frame 12700 moves longitudinally within the endeffector frame 12600 to rotate the pin actuation mechanism 12560 aboutthe retaining pin axis. The pin lever 12561 further comprises a levertip 12564 extending from the lever arms 12562. The lever tip 12564extends into a coupler portion 12861 of the tissue-retention pin 12860to couple the pin actuation mechanism 12560 to the pin 12860. Thetissue-retention pin 12860 further comprises a pin shaft, or rod, 12863and manual override knobs 12865. When the pin actuation mechanism 12560is actuated by the closure frame 12700, the lever tip 12564 advances thepin shaft 12863 toward the anvil 12640.

The manual override knobs 12865 of the pin 12860 are configured topermit a user of the tool assembly 12100 to manually retract the pinshaft 12863 back into the staple cartridge assembly 12800 in the eventthat the drive system 12510 jams or there is a loss of power, forexample. The actuation projections 12563 may be comprised of a morefragile material and/or geometry than the lever arms 12562 in order toprovide the user with the ability to shear the projections 12563 fromthe lever arms 12562 and therefore allow the pin lever 12561 to freelyrotate about the ground pin 12565. As a result of this free rotation,the coupler portion 12861 is permitted to be moved proximally relativeto the staple cartridge body 12810 with out much, if any, resistance,therefore permitting the pin shaft 12863 to be retracted manually. Inaddition to or in lieu of the above, the actuation projections 12563 maycomprise of a substantially thin configuration, or profile, whichpermits the lever arms 12562 to collapse, or bend, inward when pullingthe manual override knobs 12865 proximally thus urging the actuationprojections 12563 inward and out of the cam slots 12702 to provide thefree rotation discussed above.

When an unspent, or unfired, cartridge is installed within the endeffector assembly 12500 the main drive 12520 can be actuated. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the end effector assembly 12500comprises one or more lockouts that are defeated when an unspent staplecartridge is inserted into the end effector assembly 12500. In anyevent, the main drive 12520 is responsible for moving the closure frame12700 and the staple cartridge assembly 12800 toward the anvil 12640 tocapture and clamp tissue with the end effector assembly 12500 as well asthe firing the tool assembly 12100 to staple tissue. The main drive12520 comprises an input drive gear 12521 drivably intermeshed with amain input gear 12310. The input drive gear 12521 is mounted to a maindrive shaft 12523 comprising a drive screw portion 12525. The main drive12520 also comprises a thrust bearing configuration 12524 configured tosupport the shaft 12523. The drive screw portion 12525 is threadablyreceived within a threaded aperture 12531 of a closure nut tube, orclosure drive, 12530. The closure nut tube 12530 is moveably supportedwithin a frame bore 12653 of the interior frame structure 12650 andcomprises a plurality of tabs 12533 received within a plurality oflongitudinally extending slots 12653S within the frame bore 12653 whichprevent the closure nut tube 12530 from rotating with the drive screwportion 12525. Though the illustrated embodiment contains four tabs12533, only one tab 12533 and corresponding slot 12653S may besufficient. When the drive screw portion 12525 is rotated in a firstdirection, the closure nut tube 12530 moves, or slides, longitudinallywithin the frame bore 12653 but does not rotate within the frame bore12653. As a result of this distal movement, a ledge 12537 of the closurenut tube 12530 pushes on the closure frame 12700 causing the closureframe 12700 to move distally. When the drive screw portion 12525 isrotated in a second direction, the drive screw portion 12525 pulls theclosure nut tube 12530 proximally.

When the closure tube 12530 reaches a distal-most position associatedwith the fully clamped position of the staple cartridge 12800, the tabs12533 enter a distal annular recess 12653AD defined in the closure tube12530. The annular recess 12653AD provides clearance for the tabs 12533.When the tabs 12533 are aligned with the annular recess 12653AD, thetabs 12533 no longer prevent the rotation of the closure nut tube 12530.As a result, rotation of the drive screw portion 12525 when the closurenut tube 12530 has reached this distal-most position results in rotationof both the closure nut tube 12530 and the drive screw portion 12525simultaneously.

At this stage, further actuation of the drive system 12510 in the samedirection results in firing of the tool assembly 12100. In variousinstances, the drive system 12510 may make this transition from clampingto firing continuously without interruption. In various other instances,the tool assembly 12100 may be configured to interrupt actuation of thedrive system 12510 when the closure nut tube 12530 reaches itsdistal-most position. In either event, the tool assembly 12100 isconfigured to be fired after the drive system 12510 has moved thecartridge assembly 12800 into the fully clamped position. The closurenut tube 12530 further comprises a firing screw portion, or firingdrive, 12535 threadably received by a firing nut portion 12555 of thedriver bar 12550. Since the closure nut tube 12530 is now free torotate, the firing screw portion 12535 will now rotate as the drivescrew 12525 rotates and drive the driver bar 12550 distally. The driverbar 12550 pushes a staple cartridge driver 12820 distally thus ejectingthe staples 12830 from the staple cartridge assembly 12800. The stapledriver 12820 supports the plurality of staples 12830 with a plurality ofstaple drivers 12823 each having a support cradle 12824. The stapledriver 12820 moves distally within the staple cartridge body 12810toward the anvil 12640 to eject the staples 12830 out of the staplecavities 12813 toward the stapling forming surface 12641. Although onlytwo rows of staples are illustrated, any suitable number of rows may beemployed. The driver bar 12550 is guided by the closure frame 12700using guide pins 12553 and corresponding guide pin slots 12703.

As discussed above, the main drive 12520 is actuated to capture andclamp tissue within the end effector assembly 12500 by advancing theclosure frame 12700 and then staple tissue by advancing the driver bar12550 distally. However, as mentioned above, the main drive 12520 cannot be actuated until an unspent staple cartridge assembly is installedwithin the end effector assembly 12500. A lockout drive 12540 isprovided to provide this type of locking arrangement. As discussed ingreater detail below, the lockout drive 12540 utilizes the same input asthe main drive 12520, and, if the lockout drive 12540 is in a lockedconfiguration, the main drive 12520 is prevented from being driven. Ifthe lockout drive 12540 is in an unlocked configuration, the main drive12520 is permitted to be driven.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 41, the lockout drive 12540 comprises an outerdrive gear 12541 operably intermeshed with the main input gear, orcommon drive input, 12310 attached to the main drive shaft 12311. Thelockout drive 12540 further comprises a shaft 12542, a spring-loadedinterference gear 12545 grounded against an interior frame structure12650 of the end effector frame 12600, and a distal lock portion 12547configured to be engaged by a key portion 12817 of the staple cartridgeassembly 12800. The closure frame 12700 comprises a window 12707 (FIG.35) to permit relative movement between the closure frame 12700 and thedistal lock portion 12547. The outer drive gear 12541 comprises an innersplined, or toothed, portion 12541S configured to slidably support andmesh with an inner drive gear 12543 attached to the shaft 12542. Thisconfiguration permits relative, longitudinal movement between the shaft12542 and the outer drive gear 12541 while maintaining a drivingrelationship between the inner drive gear 12543 and the outer drive gear12541. The interference gear 12545, having a press fit relationship withthe shaft 12542, for example, is spring-loaded against the interiorframe structure 12650 of the end effector frame 12600 by a spring 12544.The spring 12544 may comprise of a compression spring, for example. Theshaft 12542 is always urged distally by the spring 12544 urging theinterference gear 12545 toward a lockout slot 12704S of a lockout window12704 in the closure frame 12700. When the interference gear 12545 is inthe lockout slot 12704S, the shaft 12542 is in the locked configuration.This locked configuration prevents the shaft 12542 from rotating thuspreventing the outer drive gear 12541 from being driven. Preventing theouter drive gear 12541 from being driven prevents the drive system 12510from being actuated. In the locked configuration, the drive system 12510may be in a binding state, for example. A controller of an instrumenthandle and/or an onboard controller may sense a binding relationship bymeasuring an energy spike, for example, and then, upon reaching anenergy threshold, seize power delivery to the motor.

To put the lockout drive 12540 in an unlocked configuration, a staplecartridge assembly must be installed within the end effector assembly12500. The key portion 12817 of the staple cartridge assembly 12800 isconfigured to contact a ramp surface 12548 of the distal lock portion12547 to push the distal lock portion 12547 proximally. Pushing thedistal lock portion 12547 proximally causes the shaft 12542 to be urgedproximally. Pushing the shaft 12542 proximally moves the interferencegear 12545 out of the lockout slot 12704S and into a freely rotatingposition within the lockout window 12704. When the interference gear12545 is permitted to rotate freely, the shaft 12542 is permitted torotate. When the shaft 12542 is permitted to rotate, the lockout drive12540 is in an unlocked configuration allowing the input gear 12310 todrive the main drive 12520 and the lockout drive 12540 simultaneously.In the unlocked configuration, the drive system 12510 is no longer in abinding state.

The distal lock portion 12547 is pinned to the shaft 12542 by a pin12547P. The pin 12547P is received within a shaft aperture 12549P of theshaft 12542 such that the shaft 12542 and the pin 12547P rotate togetherowing to an interference fit, for example, when the lockout drive 12540is driven. Thus, the pin 12547P can rotate within the distal lockportion 12547. Accordingly, in addition to the spring-loadedinterference gear 12545 urging the shaft 12542 distally when shifting tothe locked configuration, the distal lock portion 12547 will push a pinhead of the pin 12547P distally, resulting in the distal lock portion12547 pulling the shaft 12542 distally as well (see FIG. 41). The distallock portion 12547 is sandwiched, or nested, between the lever arms12562. The driver bar 12550 comprises a clearance slot 12557 for thedistal lock portion 12547.

Another lockout is provided to prevent the drive system 12510 from beingactuated when a spent staple cartridge assembly is installed within theend effector assembly 12500. A spent cartridge lockout member, orcartridge driver engagement arm, 12660 is positioned between the sideframes 12620A, 12620B. The lockout member 12660 comprises a springmember 12661 and a driver bar catch feature, or hook, 12663. The lockoutmember 12660 is illustrated in the unlocked configuration in FIGS.35-38. The staple cartridge assembly 12800 installed within the endeffector assembly 12500 is unspent in FIGS. 35-37. An unspent cartridgecontains a staple driver 12820 which has not been fired and is in itsproximal-most position. Since, in various embodiments, a staple driversuch as the staple driver 12820 is not retracted after being fired, astaple driver in a spent cartridge remains in a distal-most position itachieves when fired. Thus, the lockout member 12660 is urged by thespring member 12661 to catch the driver bar 12550 in the absence of astaple driver whether the absence is due to the absence of a staplecartridge assembly altogether or is due to a spent cartridge beingpresent. At any rate, when caught by the cartridge driver catch feature12663, the drive system 12510 is prevented from being actuated. Thislockout configuration also puts the drive system 12510 in a bindingstate.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 39-46, operation of the tool assembly 12100will now be described with respect to a surgical stapling procedure, oroperation. The tool assembly 12100 is illustrated in the uncaptured,unclamped, unfired, unlocked configuration in FIGS. 39-41. The toolassembly 12100 is unlocked because the unspent staple cartridge assembly12800 is installed within the end effector assembly 12500. Theinterference gear 12545 is pushed out of the lockout slot 12704S and isfree to rotate within the lockout window 12704 and the lockout window,or cavity, 12655 of the interior frame structure 12650. The lockoutmember 12660 is pushed away from the driver bar 12550 by the stapledriver 12820 of the unspent staple cartridge assembly 12800 thusproviding an unobstructed path for the driver bar 12550 to travel. Theactuation tines 12563 of the pin actuation mechanism 12560 are in afirst portion of the cam slots 12702. A user of the instrument may nowplace tissue between the cartridge deck 12811 and the anvil 12640 of theinstrument to prepare for capturing of the tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 42 and 43, the drive system 12510 has beenactuated to capture tissue with the tool assembly 12100. The closureframe 12700 automatically deployed the pin actuation mechanism 12560 andpin 12860 by camming the actuation projections 12563 with the cam slots12702. The pin 12860 contacts the anvil 12640 defining a completedtissue capture stage. The closure frame 12700 has also advanced thestaple cartridge assembly 12800 distally toward the anvil. At thispoint, the tool assembly 12100 may continuously actuate the main drive12520 to proceed to fully clamping the tissue. However, if the userdesires to uncapture the currently captured tissue (tissue not shown),the user may actuate the drive system 12510 in a reverse direction toreverse the drive system 12510 thereby rotating the pin actuationmechanism 12560 about the pin retaining axis to retract the pin shaft12863. The instrument may be fitted with a sensor to detect when the pinshaft 12863 reaches a fully deployed position, for example. Detectingfull deployment of the pin may result in a temporary pause in actuationto allow the user to determine if the tissue captured at this stage isthe tissue to be clamped and, eventually, stapled. Once the user decidesthe tissue that is captured is the tissue to be clamped and, eventually,stapled, the user may trigger further actuation of the main drive system12510 to proceed to the clamping stage.

In FIGS. 42 and 43, the shaft 12542 of the lockout drive 12540 sprungback to its original position upon losing contact with its biasingmember, the key portion 12817 of the staple cartridge body 12810. Inother words, the spring 12544 is in its neutral, or uncompressed, state.The interference gear 12545 is still in a freely rotating position dueto, one, the lockout window 12655 of the interior frame structure 12650and, two, the distal movement of the closure frame 12700. The innerdrive gear 12543 has moved longitudinally within but maintained ameshing relationship with the inner splined portion 12541S permittingthe lockout drive 12540 to rotate when the drive system 12510 isactuated. The tabs 12533 of the closure nut tube 12530 are positionedwithin the slots 12653S causing the closure nut tube 12530 to translatewithin the frame bore 12653 as the drive screw portion 12525 rotates.

Turning now to FIG. 44, the tool assembly 12100 is illustrated in thefully clamped configuration. The tabs 12533 of the closure nut tube12530 have reached their distal most position now permitting the closurenut tube 12530 to be rotated. The tool assembly 12100 may be furtherconfigured to temporarily pause actuation of the main drive 12510 uponreaching the fully clamped position so that the user of the toolassembly 12100 can check if the captured, and now clamped, tissue is thetarget tissue to be stapled. In the event that the user of the toolassembly 12100 wants to unclamp the tissue, the drive system 12510 maybe reversed to place the tabs 12533 of the closure nut tube 12530 backwithin the slots 12653S of the bore 12653 so that the drive screwportion 12525 may pull the closure nut tube 12530 and, as a result, theclosure frame 12700 proximally. If the user decides that the captured,and now clamped, tissue is the target tissue to be stapled, the user maytrigger further actuation of the main drive 12510 to fire the toolassembly 12100.

FIG. 45 illustrates the tool assembly 12100 in a fully firedconfiguration. The firing screw portion 12535 has been rotated toadvance the driver bar 12550 toward the anvil 12640 pushing the stapledriver 12820 distally within the staple cartridge body 12810. Thisdistal advancement of the staple driver 12820 results in the deploymentof the staples 12830 from the staple cavities 12813. The guide pins12553 have been partially advanced out of their respective guide pinslots 12703 in the closure frame 12700. Upon fully firing the toolassembly 12100, the tool assembly 12100 may automatically reverse thedrive system 12510 to retract the staple cartridge assembly 12800 tounclamp and uncapture the tissue that has just been stapled. Thisautomatic retraction may be due to any suitable sensor configuration toidentify that the staples 12830 have been fully fired, for example. Inone instance, full actuation of the driver bar 12550 may be detected. Inanother instance, the firing screw portion 12535 can be configured torotate a set number of rotations to advance the staple driver a setdistance; upon completing the set number of rotations, the tool assembly12100 and/or instrument interface to which the tool assembly 12100 isattached, may initialize the automatic retraction. This may beadvantageous when different staple cartridge assemblies are used and thedistance that the driver bar 12550 is required to travel changes toaccommodate different staple heights, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 46, the tool assembly 12100 is illustrated in anuncaptured, unclamped, fully-fired configuration. The lock member 12660has been pushed outwardly by the driver bar 12550. The lock member 12660has also nudged its catch feature 12663 directly under the staple driver12820. The catch feature 12663 may, alone, prevent the staple driver12820 of the now spent staple cartridge assembly 12800 from being movedproximally for any reason. The tabs 12533 of the closure nut tube 12530are in their proximal most position. This proximal most position putsthe tabs 12533 within a proximal annular recess 12653AP within thefiring bore 12653. The annular recess 12653AP permits the closure tubeto rotate simultaneously with the drive screw portion 12525 to retractthe driver bar 12550.

FIG. 47 illustrates the tool assembly 12100 with the staple cartridgeassembly 12800 uninstalled within the end effector assembly 12500. Priorto uninstalling the staple cartridge assembly 12800, the catch feature12663 of the lock member 12660 was urged inward by the spring member12661 to catch the driver bar 12550. In this position, the drive system12510 is in a binding state since the driver bar 12550 can not beadvanced. The lock member 12660 remains in this position when the spentstaple cartridge assembly 12800 is removed from the tool assembly 12100.The lockout drive 12540 initiates its locking function upon removal ofthe staple cartridge assembly 12800. Since the distal lock portion 12547is not pushed proximally by a cartridge body key member, the spring12544 motivates the interference gear 12545 and, thus, the shaft 12542distally placing the interference gear 12545 in the lockout slot 12704Sof the lockout window 12704. Without a staple cartridge assemblyinstalled within the end effector assembly 12500, the lockout member12660 and lockout drive 12540 provide two actuation prevention devices,or mechanisms, to prevent the drive system 12510 from being actuated.

Referring now to FIG. 48, the unspent staple cartridge assembly 12800 isillustrated not installed within the end effector assembly 12500. A baseportion 12821 of the staple driver 12820 is configured to unlock thelock member 12660 by contacting the catch feature 12663 and pushing thecatch feature 12663 away from the driver bar 12550. As discussed above,the key portion 12817 is configured to engage the ramp surface 12548 ofthe distal lock portion 12547 to push the interference gear 12545 out ofthe lockout slot 12704S and into a freely rotating position.

The staple cartridge assembly 12800 further comprises a status indicatorsystem to visually indicate to a user of the tool assembly 12100 thestatus of the staples 12830. Referring now to FIGS. 49 and 50, thestaple cartridge assembly 12800 is illustrated in a fully clamped,partially fired configuration where the staple drivers 12823 of thestaple driver 12820 are extended partially above the deck 12811 of thecartridge body 12810. A cartridge window 12853 is provided within thestaple cartridge body 12810 for displaying the movement of the stapledrivers 12823. The movement of the staple drivers is indicated by visualindicia 12823A, 12823B on the staple drivers 12823 themselves. Forexample, the visual indicia 12823A, 12823B may comprise a single colorvarying in intensity, or shade, for example, to illustrate theprogression of the staple drivers 12823 within the cartridge body 12810.A greater intensity may indicate that the staple drivers 12823 areapproaching, or have reached, a fully fired position. In otherinstances, the staple drivers 12823 may comprise two colors; a firstcolor 12823A, such as blue, for example, to indicate that the stapledrivers 12823 are in mid progression, and, a second color 12823B, suchas red, for example, to indicate that the staple drivers 12823 havereached the fully fired position.

A surgical stapling attachment, or tool assembly, 13100 is depicted inFIGS. 51-69. The tool assembly, or instrument, 13100 is configured toclamp, staple, and cut tissue during a surgical procedure. Referringprimarily to FIGS. 51-55, the tool assembly 13100 comprises anattachment portion 13200, a shaft assembly 13300, an articulation joint13400, and an end effector assembly 13500. The attachment portion 13200is configured to be attached to an interface of a surgical instrument.The instrument interface can comprise a handle such as those disclosedherein for example. Other embodiments are envisioned where the toolassembly 13100 is not readily attachable to and detachable from aninstrument interface and, instead, is part of a unitary instrument. Theattachment portion 13200 is configured to receive rotary control motionsfrom the instrument interface to which the tool assembly 13100 isattached and transfer the rotary control motions to the shaft assembly13300. As discussed in greater detail below, the shaft assembly 13300communicates these rotary control motions to the end effector assembly13500 through the articulation joint 13400.

The attachment portion 13200 comprises a housing 13201 and atransmission 13205 including an articulation transmission and, inaddition, an end effector transmission. With reference to FIG. 56, thearticulation transmission comprises a articulation drive coupler 13210(FIG. 52) configured to receive rotary motion from the instrument, aninput shaft 13212, and a housing bearing 13211. The bearing 13211rotatably supports the input shaft 13212. The input shaft 13212comprises a worm gear portion 13213 meshed with a worm wheel 13214. Theworm wheel 13214 is coupled with a translation, or pinion, gear 13215 toactuate an articulation shaft, or rod, 13320 of the shaft assembly13300. The gear 13215 rotates with the worm wheel 13214. Thearticulation shaft 13320 comprises a rack 13325 disposed on a proximalportion thereof which is meshed with the pinion gear 13215 such that,when the pinion gear 13215 is rotated by the input shaft 13212, thearticulation shaft, or link, 13320 is moved longitudinally to articulatethe end effector assembly 13500.

The end effector assembly 13500 is illustrated in an unarticulated, orneutral, configuration in FIG. 65. As illustrated in FIG. 66, thearticulation shaft 13320 can be pushed distally to articulate the endeffector 13500 in a first direction. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG.67, the articulation shaft 13320 can be pulled proximally to articulatethe end effector 13500 in a second, or opposite, direction. Asillustrated in FIGS. 65-67, the articulation shaft 13320 is not directlyattached to the end effector 13500; rather, the articulation shaft 13320is attached to the end effector 13500 via an articulation link 13324. Inthe neutral, or unarticulated, configuration of the end effector 13500,as illustrated in FIG. 55, the articulation link 13324 extends from aregion proximal to the articulation axis A-A to a region distal to thearticulation axis A-A. Also, in the neutral configuration of the endeffector 13500, the articulation link 13324 is positioned only one sideof a longitudinal axis LA defined by the tool assembly 13100 and/orshaft housing 13301. The articulation link 13324 comprises a curvedconfiguration configured to encourage the end effector assembly 13500 toarticulate about the articulation axis A-A when the articulation shaft,or drive, 13320 is translated proximally and/or distally by thearticulation transmission.

The end effector assembly 13500 comprises a frame, or spine, 13501extending distally from the articulation joint 13400. The articulationjoint 13400 comprises a proximal yoke 13401 fixedly attached to theshaft housing 13301, a lower, distal yoke arm 13402 fixedly attached tothe end effector spine 13501, and an upper, distal yoke arm 13403 alsofixedly attached to the end effector spine 13501. The yoke arms 13402,13403 are configured to be rotated relative to the yoke 13401 about anarticulation axis A-A. Although not illustrated, a pin or rod may bepositioned along the articulation axis A-A for the proximal yoke 13401and the yoke arms 13402, 13403 to pivot about. The articulation link13324 is coupled to the upper, distal yoke arm 13403 by a pin 13404 sothat, when the articulation shaft 13320 is moved longitudinally relativeto the shaft housing 13301, the articulation shaft 13320 can push orpull the upper yoke arm 13403 to articulate the end effector assembly13500 about the articulation axis A-A.

The end effector transmission of the transmission 13205 comprises adrive input, or primary drive coupler, 13220 configured to receiverotary motion from the instrument interface. The end effectortransmission further comprises an input shaft 13222 and a housingbearing 13221 which rotatably supports the input shaft 13222. The inputshaft 13222 comprises a closure drive gear 13223 journably supportedthereon, a firing drive gear 13224 journably supported thereon, and asplined shaft portion 13225 disposed between the closure drive gear13223 and the firing drive gear 13224. The closure drive gear 13223 ismeshed with a corresponding output closure drive gear 13333 of the shaftassembly 13300 while the firing drive gear 13224 is meshed with acorresponding output firing drive gear 13344 of the shaft assembly13300.

A shifter mechanism 13230 of the end effector transmission is capable ofshifting between the drivability of the closure drive gear 13223 and thedrivability of the firing drive gear 13224. The closure drive gear 13223and the firing drive gear 13224 do not rotate unless engaged by theshifter mechanism 13230. The closure drive gear 13223 comprises a set ofteeth, or projections, 13226 disposed on a side of the closure drivegear 13223 which faces the firing drive gear 13224. The firing drivegear 13224 comprises a set of teeth, or projections, 13227 disposed on aside of the firing drive gear 13224 which faces the closure drive gear13223. A shifter body, or disk, 13235 comprises teeth, or projections,13236 disposed on a first side of the disk 13235 that faces the closuredrive gear 13223 and teeth, or projections, 13237 disposed on a secondside of the disk 13235 that faces the firing drive gear 13224. The shiftdisk 13235 is meshed with and slidable relative to the splined shaftportion 13225. The shift disk 13235 is held by a shifter arm 13233actuatable by a shift solenoid 13231 to move the shifter arm 13233between a first position in which the disk 13235 is in meshingengagement with the closure drive gear 13223 and a second position inwhich the disk 13235 is in meshing engagement with the firing drive gear13224. When the disk 13235 is engaged with the closure drive gear 13223,rotation of the drive coupler 13220 causes rotation of the closure drivegear 13223 and, thus, the closure shaft 13330. Similarly, when the disk13235 is engaged with the firing drive gear 13224, rotation of the drivecoupler 13220 causes rotation of the firing drive gear 13224 and, thus,the firing shaft 13340. Activating the shift solenoid 13231 may beachieved through an onboard controller 13203 configured to receivesignals from the instrument interface and transmit these signals to theshift solenoid 13231.

Turning now to FIG. 57, the articulation joint 13400, as discussedabove, is configured to receive rotary control motions from the shaftassembly 13300 and transmit, or communicate, these rotary controlmotions to the end effector assembly 13500. In order to transfer therotary motion of the closure shaft 13330 of the shaft assembly 13300 toa closure shaft, or drive, 13530 of the end effector assembly 13500 and,in addition, transfer the rotary motion of the firing shaft 13340 to afiring shaft, or drive, 13540 of the end effector assembly 13500 whilemaintaining the ability to articulate the end effector assembly 13500relative to the shaft assembly 13300, the articulation joint 13400comprises an arrangement of bevel gears. The firing shaft 13340comprises an input bevel gear 13441 attached to a distal end of thefiring shaft 13340, an idler bevel gear 13442 meshed with the inputbevel gear 13441, and an output bevel gear 13443 meshed with the idlerbevel gear 13442 and attached to the firing shaft 13540 of the drivesystem of the end effector assembly 13500. The idler bevel gear 13442has a rotation axis common to the articulation axis A-A. Further to theabove, the closure shaft 13330 comprises an input bevel gear 13431attached to a distal end of the closure shaft 13330, an idler bevel gear13432 having a rotation axis common to the articulation axis A-A andmeshed with the input bevel gear 13431, and an output bevel gear 13433meshed with the idler bevel gear 13432 and attached to a closure shaft13530 of the drive system of the end effector assembly 13500. The bevelgears 13441, 13442, 13443 are in a nested configuration within the bevelgears 13431, 13432, 13433 such that the (inner) firing bevel gears13441, 13442, 13443 can rotate relative to the (outer) closure bevelgears 13431, 13432, 13433 and vice-versa.

The output bevel gears 13433, 13443 are rotatable about the articulationaxis A-A. As the end effector assembly 13500 is articulated, the outputbevel gears 13433, 13443 can be configured to back rotate both idlerbevel gears 13432, 13442. Back rotation of the idler bevel gears 13432,13442 will cause back rotation of the input bevel gears 13431, 13441 andthus, cause rotation of the closure shaft 13330 and the firing shaft13340. To avoid binding in the end effector transmission while the endeffector assembly 13500 is articulated, the onboard controller 13203 ofthe attachment portion 13200 may signal the shift solenoid 13231 toplace the shift disk 13235 in a neutral position where the shift disk13235 is not engaged with either journably supported drive gears 13223,13224 when the user actuates the articulation drive coupler 13210. As aresult, the drive gears 13223, 13224 will rotate freely relative to theinput shaft therefore diffusing the rotation of bevel gear assembly dueto articulation.

The end effector assembly 13500 further comprises a first jaw 13510 anda second jaw 13520 which are movable relative to one another. Turningnow to FIG. 58, the end effector assembly 13500 comprises a closuresystem configured to move the jaws 13510, 13520 between open and closedpositions. The closure system comprises a closure frame 13535 having aclosure nut 13536 threadably engaged with a closure screw portion 13531of the closure shaft 13530. The closure frame 13535 is moveable relativeto the end effector frame 13501 upon actuation, or rotation, of theclosure shaft 13530. Rotation of the closure shaft 13530 in a firstrotational direction causes distal movement of the frame 13501. Rotationof the closure shaft 13530 in a second rotational direction opposite thefirst rotational direction causes proximal movement of the frame 13501.A thrust bearing 13533 positioned at a distal end of the closure shaft13530 is supported within a frame support 13503 of the end effectorframe 13501. Discussed in greater detail below, the end effectorassembly 13500 also comprises a firing system 13550 actuated by a firingdrive gear 13541 of the firing shaft 13540. The closure shaft 13530 andthe firing shaft 13540 are configured to rotate independently of eachother.

FIG. 64 is a partial view of the end effector assembly 13500 in an open,or unclamped, configuration. To clamp tissue with the tool assembly13100, both jaws 13510, 13520 are moved from open positions to closedpositions by actuation of the closure drive 13530. Rotation of theclosure drive 13530 rotates the closure screw portion 13531. Rotation ofthe closure screw portion 13531 causes the closure nut 13536, and thus,the closure frame 13535 to translate relative to the end effector frame13501. Upon fully retracting the closure frame 13535, the closure nut13536 is configured to be received within a recess defined between theyoke arms 13402, 13403.

The end effector frame 13501 is positioned at least partially within theclosure frame 13535 such that two lateral sides of the end effectorframe 13501 are received within corresponding slots of the closure frame13535. Such an arrangement permits the end effector frame 13501 toextend through the closure frame 13535 and permits the closure frame13535 to move relative to the end effector frame 13501. The end effectorassembly 13500 further comprises an anvil portion 13521 disposed on thejaw 13520 configured to form staples 13575. The jaw 13520 is at leastpartially positioned within the end effector frame 13501. The jaw 13520comprises a pair of actuation pins 13527 movable within a pair ofclosure frame slots 13537 defined in the closure frame 13535 and a pairof end effector frame slots 13507 defined in the end effector frame13501. The jaw 13520 further comprises a proximal hook portion 13522comprising a pair of slots 13522S positioned therein. The proximal hookportion 13522 is configured to be hooked, or latched, on a frame pin13502 of the end effector frame 13501. The jaw 13520 is pivotable aboutthe frame pin 13502. The open slot configuration of the hook portion13522 permits the jaw 13520 to be removed from the end effector assembly13500 in the event that a user would like to replace the jaw 13520 forany reason.

The jaw 13520, grounded by and rotatable about the pin 13502, is rotatedto a closed position by advancing the closure frame 13535 distallycausing a pair of closure cam surfaces 13537C of the closure frame slot13537 to cam the pins 13527 of the jaw 13520 toward the jaw 13510. Thejaw 13510, grounded by the pins 13515 and rotatable about the pin axisdefined by the pins 13515, is moved to a rotated position by advancingthe closure frame 13535 distally causing a closure cam surface 13532 ofthe closure frame 13535 to cam a bottom surface 13512 of the jaw 13510toward the jaw 13520. Similarly, the jaw 13520 is moved to an openposition by moving the closure frame 13535 proximally causing a pair ofopening cam surfaces 135370 (see FIG. 68) of the closure frame slot13537 to cam the pins 13527 of the jaw 13520 upward. The end effectorframe slots 13507 are clearance slots for the pins 13527 as the pins13527 are cammed upward and downward relative to the frame 13501. Thejaw 13510 is moved to an open position by moving the closure frame 13535proximally causing the closure cam surface 13532 to be moved proximallypermitting the jaw 13510 to fall open relative to the frame 13501. Thejaw 13510 comprises a pair of curved recesses 13517 to provide clearancefor the pins 13527.

Further to the above, as can be seen in FIG. 69, the axis about whichthe jaw 13510 rotates and the axis about which the jaw 13520 rotates arenot identical. The axes are vertically and horizontally offset from eachother. The axis about which the jaw 13510 rotates is distal with respectto the axis about which the jaw 13520 rotates. The vertical distancebetween the axes may define a predetermined tissue gap distance and/orclamp distance between the cartridge 13570 and the anvil 13521.

When the tool assembly 13100 is in an unclamped configuration (FIG. 66),further to the above, the closure nut 13536 is in its proximal-mostposition which is a recess defined between the yoke arms 13402, 13403.In the unclamped configuration, a top surface of the jaw 13520 iscompletely exposed permitting a user of the tool assembly 13100 toremove the jaw 13520 from the instrument. This provides a readilyreplaceable anvil configuration.

The end effector frame 13501 supports the firing system 13550 which isconfigured to staple and/or cut tissue clamped with the tool assembly13100. The firing system 13550, discussed in greater detail below, isconfigured to be actuated by the firing drive gear 13541 of the firingshaft 13540. The jaw, or cartridge support channel, 13510 comprises apair pivot pins 13515 extending outwardly with respect to the jaw 13510configured to be received within a pair of corresponding frame apertures13505 permitting the jaw 13510, and as a result, the staple cartridge13570 to pivot about a pivot axis defined by the pins 13515 relative tothe end effector frame 13501.

The firing system 13550 comprises a drive gear 13551 meshed with thefiring drive gear 13541. The drive gear 13551 is positioned on aproximal firing shaft 13552 which is rotatably supported by a framesupport 13504 of the end effector frame 13501. The firing system 13550further comprises a firing screw shaft 13555 comprising a proximalthrust bearing 13554 supported within a thrust bearing support 13514 ofthe jaw 13510 and a distal thrust bearing 13556 supported within a topand bottom bushing assembly 13573. The bushing assembly 13573 ispositioned within a distal cartridge cavity 13572. The firing system13550 further comprises a U-joint 13553 operably coupling the firingshaft 13552 and the firing screw shaft 13555. The U-joint 13553 permitsthe jaw 13510 to be rotated about the pivot axis defined by the pins13515 while maintaining a driving relationship between the proximalfiring shaft 13552 and the firing screw shaft 13555. In variousinstances, the U-joint 13553 is positioned at the axis defined by thepivot pins 13515; however, the U-joint 13553 may be located at anysuitable location.

The firing system 13550 further comprises a firing member, or sled,13560. The sled 13560 comprises a threaded aperture extendingtherethrough which is threadably engaged with the firing screw shaft13555. The sled 13560 is constrained from rotating, or at leastsubstantially rotating, with the firing screw shaft 13555 and, as aresult, the firing screw shaft 13555 displaces the sled 13560longitudinally when the firing screw shaft 13555 is rotated about itslongitudinal axis. In use, the sled 13560 is displaced distally when thefiring screw shaft 13555 is rotated in a first direction and displacedproximally when the firing screw shaft 13555 is rotated in a seconddirection.

As described in greater detail below, the sled 13560 is displaceddistally between an unfired position (FIG. 59) and a fired position(FIG. 60) during a staple firing stroke to eject the staples 13575 fromthe staple cartridge 13570 and staple the tissue captured between theanvil portion 13521 and the staple cartridge 13570. The reader shouldappreciate from FIGS. 59 and 60 that the tissue is not cut while it isstapled. More specifically, the sled 13560 comprises a knife, or cuttingmember, 13561 which remains in an undeployed, or lowered, positionduring the staple firing stroke. After the staple firing stroke has beencompleted, referring now to FIG. 61, the sled 13560 is retractedproximally. The sled 13560 is retracted proximally until the cuttingmember 13561 contacts a pin, or cam, 13516 extending from the frame ofthe staple cartridge 13570. The cutting member 13561 is rotatablymounted to the sled 13560 and, when the cutting member 13561 contactsthe pin 13516, the cutting member 13561 rotates upwardly into a deployedposition. At such point, the sled 13560 can be advanced distally onceagain to cut the stapled tissue during a cutting stroke, as illustratedin FIG. 63.

The cutting member 13561 moves within a longitudinal slot 13571 definedin the staple cartridge 13570. The pin 13516 extends from the thrustbearing support 13514 and is aligned with the longitudinal slot 13571.When the sled 13560 is in its unfired position (FIG. 59), the cuttingmember 13561 is not in contact with the pin 13516; however, when thesled 13560 is retracted proximally relative to its unfired position, asillustrated in FIG. 61, the cutting member 13561 contacts the pin 13516and is rotated into its deployed position. More specifically, a cam arm13566 of the cutting member 13561 engages the pin 13516 and rotatesupwardly from its non-cutting position to its cutting position.

As discussed above, FIG. 59 illustrates the tool assembly 13100 in anunfired, or initial, configuration. In such an unfired configuration ofthe tool assembly 13100, as also discussed above, the sled 13560 is inits unfired position and the cutting member 13561 in its non-cuttingposition. The tool assembly 13100 can be configured to detect whetherthe sled 13560 is in its unfired position and/or whether the cuttingmember 13561 is in its non-cutting position. In at least one instance,the staple cartridge 13570 can comprise a first sensor configured todetect the presence of the sled 13560 if the sled 13560 is in itsunfired position. Similarly, the staple cartridge 13570 can comprise asecond sensor configured to detect the presence of the cutting member13561 if the cutting member 13561 is in its cutting position. The firstsensor and the second sensor can comprise proximity sensors, forexample, and can be in signal communication with a controller of thetool assembly 13100.

When the sled 13560 reaches its distal-most position of its firingstroke, as illustrated in FIG. 60, all of the staples 13575 will havebeen deployed from the staple cartridge 13570. In various instances, asensor is disposed at a distal end of the end effector assembly which isconfigured to detect whether the sled 13560 has reached its distal-mostposition. The sensor may comprise a proximity sensor, for example, insignal communication with a controller of the tool assembly 13100. Onceall of the staples 13575 have been fired, the instrument controller cansignal to the user that the firing stroke has been completed. At suchpoint, the user can operate the tool assembly 13100 to retract the sled13560 in order to prepare the tool assembly 13100 for the cuttingportion of the procedure. Alternatively, the tool assembly 13100 can beconfigured to automatically retract the sled 13560 after the firingstroke has been completed.

As discussed above, FIG. 61 illustrates the tool assembly 13100 in aconfiguration in which all of the staples have been fired and the firingmember has been retracted to a proximal-most, or mode-switching,position. As also discussed above, this mode-switching position permitsthe pin 13516 to engage the cam arm 13566 of the cutting member 13561and rotate the cutting member 13561 to its cutting position. In variousinstances, the sled 13560 may be prevented from reaching thismode-switching position until the instrument controller has received asignal that the staple firing stroke has been completed. In at least onesuch instance, the instrument controller can interrupt the electricalpower supply to the motor of the firing drive once the sled 13560 hasreached its unfired position in the event that the instrument controllerdoes not receive a signal from the end-of-firing-stroke sensorconfirming that the firing stroke was completed. In the event that theinstrument controller receives a signal that the staple firing strokehas been completed, the instrument controller can permit the sled 13560to be retracted proximally beyond its unfired position into itsmode-switching position.

Once the sled 13560 has been moved into the mode-switching position, theinstrument controller can permit the sled 13560 to be advanced distallyonce again. In various instances, the instrument can comprise atissue-cutting switch which, when depressed, can actuate the firingdrive 13540 once again to drive the sled 13560 through the staplecartridge 13570 through a second, or cutting, stroke. As the cuttingmember 13561 has now been raised into its cutting position, the cuttingmember 13561 will incise the stapled tissue.

Further to the above, the tool assembly 13100 is configured to lower thecutting member 13561 to its non-cutting position after the sled 13560has completed its tissue cutting stroke. More specifically, referringprimarily to FIG. 63, the cam portion 13566 of the cutting member 13561is configured to contact a distal pin, or cam, 13574 at the end of thetissue cutting stroke wherein such interaction rotates the cuttingmember 13561 downwardly into its noncutting position. As a result, thesled 13560 can be retracted without the cutting member 13561 beingexposed to the tissue. Also, as a result, the jaws 13510, 13520 can beunclamped from the tissue after the cutting stroke without the cuttingmember 13561 being exposed. The reader should appreciate that thecutting member 13561 does not interact with the distal pin 13574 at theend of the firing stroke because the cutting member 13561 is already inits lowered position during the firing stroke.

As outlined above, the tool assembly 13100 is configured to prohibit thecutting of tissue clamped by the tool assembly 13100 until all of thestaples 13575 have been fired, or fully formed. As also outlined above,this bifurcation of functions is possible as the cutting member 13561 ispivotable between a non-cutting position and a cutting position.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple cartridge 4410for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance withat least one embodiment. A variety of circular surgical staplinginstruments are known. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGCONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses variouscircular surgical stapling instrument arrangements. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/498,070, filed Sep. 26, 2014, entitled CIRCULARFASTENER CARTRIDGES FOR APPLYING RADIALLY EXPANDING FASTENER LINES, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinalso discloses various circular surgical stapler arrangements. Asdiscussed in those references, a circular surgical stapler generallycomprises a frame assembly that comprises an attachment portion that isconfigured to operably couple an anvil to the circular surgical stapler.

In general, the anvil includes an anvil head that supports an annularline or lines of staple-forming pockets. An anvil stem or trocar portionis attached to the anvil head and is configured to be removably coupledto the anvil attachment portion of the circular stapling instrument.Various circular surgical stapling instruments include means forselectively moving the anvil toward and away from the surgical staplecartridge such that the target tissue may be clamped between the anviland the deck of the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical staplecartridge removably stores a plurality of surgical staples therein thatare arranged in one or more annular arrays that correspond to thearrangement of staple forming pockets provided in the anvil. The staplesare removably stored within corresponding staple cavities that areformed in the staple cartridge and are supported on correspondingportions of a selectively movable pusher assembly that is operablyreceived within the circular stapler. The circular stapler furtherincludes an annular knife or cutting member that is configured to incisethe tissue that is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Referring again to FIG. 70, the staple cartridge 4410 comprises acartridge body 4411 that defines an annular cartridge deck surface 4412.The cartridge body 4411 comprises an inner annular row 4420 of spacedinner staple cavities 4422 and an outer annular row 4440 of spaced outerstaple cavities 4442. The inner staple cavities 4422 are staggeredrelative to the outer spaced staple cavities 4442 as can be seen in FIG.70. Supported within each inner staple cavity 4422 is an inner surgicalstaple 4430 and supported within each outer staple cavity 4442 is anouter surgical staple 4450. The outer staples 4450 in the outer annularrow 4440 may have different characteristics than the inner staples 4430in the inner annular row 4420. For example, as illustrated in theembodiment of FIG. 71, the outer staples 4450 have an unformed“gullwing” configuration. In particular, each outer staple 4450 includesa pair of legs 4454, 4464 that extend from a staple crown 4452. Each leg4454, 4464 includes a vertical portion 4456, 4466, respectively thatextends from the crown 4452. The vertical portions 4456, 4466 may beparallel to each other in one embodiment. However, in the illustratedarrangement, the vertical portions 4456, 4466 are not parallel to eachother. For example, the angle A₁ between the crown 4452 and the verticalportions 4456, 4466 in the illustrated arrangement is greater thanninety degrees. See FIG. 71. Further details regarding the stapleconfiguration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISINGNON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0297232, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. However, other the vertical portions 4456, 4466 may bearranged at other angles with respect to the crown 4452. One advantageof having the vertical leg portions 4456, 4466 oriented at anglesgreater than ninety degrees relative to the crown 4452 is that sucharrangement may assist in the temporary retention of the staple withinits corresponding staple cavity.

At least one leg 4454, 4464 includes an inwardly extending end portion.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 71 for example, each leg 4454, 4464includes an inwardly extending leg portion. In the illustratedarrangement, leg portion 4458 extends inwardly from the vertical legportion 4456 and the leg portion 4468 extends inwardly from the verticalleg portion 4466. As can be seen in FIG. 71, the leg portion 4458 isshorter than the leg portion 4468. Stated another way, the distance HAbetween the staple crown 4452 and the point where the leg portion 4458angles inward from the vertical leg portion 4456 is greater than thedistance H_(C) between the staple crown 4452 and the point where the legportion 4468 angles inward from the vertical leg portion 4466. Thus,distance H_(B) in at least one embodiment is shorter than the lengthH_(D). The angle A₂ at which the leg portion 4458 angles relative to thevertical leg portion 4556 may be equal to the angle A₃ at which the legportion 4468 angles relative to the vertical leg portion 4466 or anglesA₂ and A₃ may be different from each other. Further details regardingthe staple configuration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGECOMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated by reference.

In at least one embodiment, each inner surgical staple 4430 may have theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 71. As can be seen in FIG. 71, theinner surgical staple 4430 has a crown 4432 and two vertical legs 4434,4436 extending therefrom. The vertical legs 4434, 4436 may extendrelatively perpendicularly from the crown 4432 or they may extend atangles A₄ that may be greater than ninety degrees. Such arrangement mayassist in the temporary retention of the staples 4430 within theircorresponding staple cavity 4422. However, vertical legs 4434, 4436 mayextend from the crown 4432 at different angles. In some embodiments,angles A₄ are equal to each other. In other embodiments, angles A₄ aredifferent from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the innerstaples 4430 and the outer staples 4450 each have the same unformedheight UFH. The inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 are formed fromconventional surgical staple wire. In at least one embodiment, thediameter of the staple wire used to form the outer staples 4450 isgreater than the diameter of the staple wire used to form the innerstaples 4430. In other embodiments, the inner and outer staples may havethe same diameters and be formed from wires with other diameters. Insome arrangements, the inner and outer staples may be formed from thesame type of staple wire. Thus, in such arrangement, the wire diametersof the inner and outer staples would be the same. In yet anotherembodiment, however, the inner and outer staples may have the sameunformed shapes/configurations, yet be formed from two different staplewires that have different wire diameters. Also in at least onearrangement, the crown width CW_(O) of each outer staple 4450 is largerthan the crown width CW_(I) of each inner staple 4430. Further detailsregarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENERCARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated byreference.

Returning to FIG. 70, the staple cartridge 4410 includes an outer rim4414 that extends above the deck surface 4412. During surgery, theclinician can adjust the location of the anvil relative to the cartridgeof a circular stapler. In at least one such embodiment, the staplecartridge 4410 further comprises deck features 4416 and 4418 that extendfrom the deck surface 4412. As can be seen in FIG. 70, a series of innerdeck features 4416 are provided between the inner row 4420 of staplecavities 4422 and a centrally-disposed knife opening 4413 through whichthe knife or cutting member will pass during the firing process. Thedeck features 4416 may be shaped and located relative to the innerstaple cavities and opening 4413 as shown in FIGS. 70, 72 and 73. Forexample, each inner deck feature 4416 may have a flat wall portion 4415that is coextensive with the wall of the knife opening 4413 and aconical or sloping body portion 4417 that is adjacent to the row ofinner staple cavities 4422. See FIGS. 72 and 73. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 70, the deck features 4416 are oriented in the gapbetween two adjacent inner staple cavities 4422 and are staggeredbetween pairs of staple cavities 4422 as shown. The cavity extensionarrangements or deck features in this system may serve to lower pressurethat is commonly encountered in flat deck cartridges. This disclosedarrangement may also help to mitigate tissue movement and slippage.Since slippage of the tissue is generally undesirable, the outsidediameter holding features may be bigger and more numerous. The internaldiameter features may serve to increase tissue tension/shear as theblade passes next to the inside internal diameter which may make thesystem cut better. However, the deck features 4416 may have differentshapes and configurations and may be located in different locations onthe deck surface 4412.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 70, 72 and 73, every other outer staplecavity 4442 includes an outer deck feature 4418 that is associated witheach end thereof. Outer deck features 4418 extend above the deck surface4412 and guide the outer staples 4450 toward the anvil when the staples4450 are being ejected from the staple cartridge 4410. In suchembodiments, the outer staples 4450 may not extend above the outer deckfeatures 4418 until they are moved toward the anvil by the firingmember. Referring primarily to FIG. 70, in at least one embodiment, theouter deck features 4418 do not extend around the entirety of thecorresponding outer staple cavity 4442. A first outer deck feature 4418is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding outer cavity 4442and a second outer deck feature 4418 is positioned adjacent a second endof the outer cavity 4442. As can be seen in FIG. 70, the outer deckfeatures 4418 are associated with every other one of the outer staplecavities 4442. Such arrangement may serve to lower overall pressure andminimize tissue stretch and movement. In other embodiments, first andsecond outer deck features 4418 may be associated with every one of theouter staple cavities 4442, however. In yet other embodiments, an outerdeck feature may extend around the entire perimeter of a correspondingouter cavity. As can be seen in FIG. 72, the inner deck features 4416are shorter than the outer deck features 4418. Stated another way, eachinner deck feature protrudes above the deck surface 4412 a distance thatis less than the distance that each outer deck feature 4418 protrudesabove the deck surface 4412. Each outer deck feature may protrude abovethe deck surface 4412 the same distance that the outer rim 4414protrudes above the deck surface 4412. In addition, as can also be seenin FIG. 72, each outer deck feature 4418 has a generally conical ortapered outer profile which may help to prevent tissue from snagging onthe deck features during insertion of the stapler head through apatient's colon and rectum.

The above-mentioned deck feature arrangements may provide one or moreadvantages. For example, the upstanding outer rim may help to preventtissue from sliding across the cartridge deck. This upstanding rim couldalso comprise a repeating pattern of highs and lows rather than beingone continuous lip formation. The inside upstanding features may alsohelp to retain the tissue adjacent to the blade and lead to improvedcutting. The inside deck features could be between every cavity or inalternative arrangements, the deck feature(s) may comprise onecontinuous upstanding lip. It may be desirable to balance the number ofdeck features to minimize the number of high force/compression zoneswhile attaining a desired amount of tissue immobilization. The cavityconcentric features may serve the additional purpose of minimization oftissue flow in the areas where the staple legs project from. Sucharrangements also facilitate desirable staple formation as the staplelegs eject and transition to the receiving anvil pocket which mayconsist of corresponding forming pockets. Such localized pocket featuresincrease the low compression zones while facilitating leg support fromthe cartridge as the staple exits the cartridge. This arrangementthereby minimizes the distance that the staple must “jump” before itmeets the anvil pocket. Tissue flow tends to increase going from thecenter of the cartridge radially outward.

FIGS. 72 and 73 illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge 4410 inconnection with an anvil 4480. The anvil 4480 comprises an anvil headportion 4482 that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion4484 and a knife washer 4490. The knife washer 4490 is supported inconfronting relationship to the knife 4492 that is supported in thestapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert4484 is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. andcontains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets 4486 and an outerrow of outer staple forming pockets 4488. Each inner staple formingpocket 4486 corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities 4422 andeach outer staple forming pocket 4488 corresponds to one of the outerstaple cavities 4442. In the illustrated arrangement, when the anvil4480 is moved to its firing position relative to the cartridge decksurface 4412, the inner staple forming pockets 4486 are closer to thecartridge deck surface 4412 than are the outer staple forming pockets4488. Stated another way, the first gap g₁ or first staple formingdistance between a first staple forming portion 4485 and the cartridgedeck surface 4412 is less than the second gap g₂ or second stapleforming distance between a second staple forming portion 4487 and thecartridge deck surface 4412.

As can be further seen in FIGS. 72 and 73, the inner staples 4430 areeach supported within their corresponding inner staple cavity 4422 on acorresponding inner driver portion 4502 of a pusher assembly 4500 andeach of the outer staples 4450 are supported within their correspondingouter staple cavity 4442 on a corresponding outer driver portion 4504.Advancement of the pusher assembly 4500 toward the anvil 4480 will causethe inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 to be driven into forming contactwith their respective corresponding staple forming pockets 4486, 4488 asshown in FIG. 73. In addition, the knife 4492 is advanced distallythrough the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 4480 and the decksurface 4412 and through a frangible bottom 4491 of the knife washer4490. Such arrangement serves to provide the outer staples 4450 with aformed height FH_(O) that is larger than the formed height FH_(I) of theinner staples 4430. Stated another way, the outer row 4440 of outerstaples 4450 are formed into a larger “B” formation resulting in agreater capture volume and/or taller staple forming height to alleviatehigh tissue compression near the outer row of staples 4440. A larger Bformation may also improve blood flow toward the inner rows. In variousinstances, the outer row 4440 of outer staples 4450 comprise a greaterresistance to unfolding by utilizing a larger staple crown, staple legwidths, and/or staple leg thicknesses.

The quantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary. In oneembodiment, for example, there are more outer staples 4450 than thereare inner staples 4430. Another embodiment employs more inner staples4430 than outer staples 4450. In various instances, the wire diameter ofthe outer staples 4450 is larger than the wire diameter of the innerstaples 4430. The inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 may have the sameunformed heights UFH. The crown widths CW_(O) in the outer row 4440 ofouter staples 4450 are larger than the crown widths CW_(I) of the innerrow 4420 of inner staples 4430. The gullwing configuration of the outerstaples 4450 employs bends that are located at different distances fromtheir respective crown. Use of the stepped anvil configuration with aflat (unstepped) cartridge deck surface 4412 with uniform driver orpusher travel yield staples with different formed heights.

FIG. 74 illustrates another staple cartridge embodiment 4610. As can beseen in FIG. 74, the staple cartridge 4610 includes a cartridge deck4612 that includes an inner annular row 4620 of spaced inner staplecavities 4622 and an outer annular row 4640 of outer spaced staplecavities 4642. The inner staple cavities 4622 are staggered relative tothe outer spaced staple cavities 4642 as can be seen in FIG. 74.Supported within each inner staple cavity 4622 is an inner surgicalstaple 4630 and supported within each outer staple cavity 4642 is anouter surgical staple 4650. In addition, an outer rim 4614 extends abovethe deck surface 4612. In various embodiments, further to the above, thestaples 4630, 4650 do not protrude above the deck surface 4612 untilthey are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. Such embodimentsmay frequently utilize small staples relative to the depth of theirrespective staple cavity in which they are stored. In other embodiments,the legs of the staples protrude above the deck surface 4612 when thestaples are in their unfired positions. In at least one such embodiment,the staple cartridge 4610 further comprises deck features 4616 and 4618that extend from the deck surface 4612.

As can also be seen in FIG. 74, every other inner staple cavity 4622includes an inner deck feature 4616 that is associated with each endthereof. Inner deck features 4616 extend above the deck surface 4612 andguide the corresponding inner staples 4630 toward the anvil when thecorresponding inner staples 4630 are being ejected from the staplecartridge 4610. In such embodiments, the inner staples 4630 may notextend above the inner deck features 4616 until they are moved towardthe anvil by the firing member. In the illustrated example, the innerdeck features 4616 do not extend around the entirety of thecorresponding inner staple cavity 4622. A first inner deck feature 4616is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding inner cavity 4622and a second inner deck feature 4616 is positioned adjacent a second endof the inner cavity 4622. In other embodiments, the inner deck features4416 may be associated with every one of the inner staple cavities 4622,however. In yet other embodiments, an inner deck feature may extendaround the entire perimeter of a corresponding inner staple cavity. Byemploying deck features that have different heights in concentricpatterns wherein they are associated with every other cavity may providemore lower pressure tissue gap areas, while balancing them with thedesire to guide as many and as much of the staple leg for as long aspossible. Stated another way, such arrangement may minimize the amountof tissue flow reducing the overall amount of pressure applied to thetarget tissue.

Still referring to FIG. 74, each outer staple cavity 4642 includes anouter deck feature 4618 that is associated with each end thereof. Outerdeck features 4618 extend above the deck surface 4612 and guide theouter staples 4650 toward the anvil when the staples 4650 are beingejected from the staple cartridge 4610. In such embodiments, the outerstaples 4650 may not extend above the outer deck features 4618 untilthey are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. As can be seen inFIG. 74, in the illustrated example, the outer deck features 4618 do notextend around the entirety of the corresponding outer staple cavity4642. A first outer deck feature 4618 is positioned adjacent a first endof a corresponding outer cavity 4642 and a second outer deck feature4618 is positioned adjacent a second end of the outer cavity 4642. Ascan be seen in FIG. 74, outer deck features 4618 are associated withevery one of the outer staple cavities 4642. In other embodiments, firstand second outer deck features 4618 may be associated with every otherone of the outer staple cavities 4642, however. In yet otherembodiments, an outer deck feature may extend around the entireperimeter of a corresponding outer cavity. As can be seen in FIGS. 75and 76, the inner deck features 4616 and the outer deck features 4618extend above the deck surface 4612 the same distance. Stated anotherway, they have the same heights. In addition, as can also be seen inFIGS. 75 and 76, each inner deck feature 4416 and each outer deckfeature 4618 has a generally conical or tapered outer profile which mayhelp to prevent tissue from snagging on the deck features duringinsertion of the stapler head through a patient's colon and rectum.

FIGS. 75 and 76 illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge 4610 inconnection with an anvil 4680. The anvil 4680 comprises an anvil headportion 4682 that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion4684 and a knife washer 4690. The knife washer 4690 is supported inconfronting relationship to a knife 4692 that is supported in thestapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert4684 is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. andcontains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets 4686 and an outerrow of outer staple forming pockets 4688. Each inner staple formingpocket 4686 corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities 4622 andeach outer staple forming pocket 4688 corresponds to one of the outerstaple cavities 4642. In the illustrated arrangement, the inner stapleforming pockets 4686 are located the same distance g₁ from the decksurface 4612 as are the outer staple forming pockets 4688.

As can be further seen in FIGS. 75 and 76, an inner staple 4630 issupported within a corresponding inner staple cavity 4622 on acorresponding inner driver portion 4702 of a pusher assembly 4700. Anouter staple 4650 is supported within a corresponding outer staplecavity 4642 on a corresponding outer driver portion 4704. Advancement ofthe pusher assembly 4700 toward the anvil 4680 will cause the inner andouter staples 4630, 4650 to be driven into forming contact with theirrespective corresponding staple forming pockets 4686, 4688 as shown inFIG. 76. In addition, the knife 4692 is advanced distally through thetissue that is clamped between the anvil 4680 and the deck surface 4612and through a frangible bottom 4691 of the knife washer 4690. In theexample illustrated in FIGS. 75 and 76, each inner staple 4630 is formedfrom a first staple wire that has a first wire diameter D₁ and has afirst unformed height L₁. For example, the first wire diameter D₁ may beapproximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually 0.0089″, 0.0094″,and 0.00145″) and the first unformed height L₁ may be approximately0.198″-0.250″. Each outer staple 4650 is formed from a second staplewire that has a second wire diameter D₂ and has a second unformed heightL₂. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 75 and 76, D₁<D₂ and L₁<L₂.However, as can be seen in FIG. 76, the inner and outer staples 4630,4650 are formed with the same formed heights FH's. The thicker wirestaples on the outside tend to provide high tear and burst strengths ascompared to the inside row of smaller diameter staples which tend tohold better hemostatically. Stated another way, the tighter inside rowsof staples may hold better hemostatically while the outer rows of lesscompressed staples may facilitate better healing and blood flow. Inaddition, the staples with longer legs, even when formed at the sameheights as staples with shorter legs, may ensure more B-bending whichmay make the longer legged staples stronger and more likely to beproperly formed enough to hold in high load conditions. The quantity ofstaples used in each row of staples can vary. In one embodiment, forexample, the inner row 4620 has the same number of inner staples 4630 asdoes the outer row 4640 of outer staples 4650. In various arrangements,the crown widths of the staples 4650 is larger than the crown widths ofthe inner staples 4630. In other embodiments, the staples 4630, 4650 mayhave identical crown widths. In other arrangements, the staples 4630,4650 may be of the gullwing design described above. For example, atleast one leg of the staple may include an end portion that is bentinwardly or both legs may include end portions that are bent inwardlytoward each other. Such staples may be employed in the inner annular rowor the outer annular row or in both of the inner and outer annular rows.

FIG. 77 illustrates another circular staple cartridge embodiment 4810that includes a cartridge deck 4812 that includes three annular rows4820, 4840, 4860 of spaced staple cavities. The inner or first row 4820contains a first plurality of inner or first staple cavities 4822 thatare each arranged at a first angle. Each inner staple cavity 4822operably supports a corresponding inner or first staple 4830 therein.The inner cavities 4822 orient the first staples 4830 at the sameuniform angle relative to the tangential direction. In the illustratedexample, each inner staple 4830 is formed from a first staple wire thathas a first staple diameter D₁. In one example, the first staple wirediameter D₁ may be approximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually0.0089″, 0.0094″, and 0.00145″). Referring to FIG. 80, each inner staple4830 includes a first crown 4832 and two first legs 4834. The firstcrown has a first crown width C₁ and each first leg 4834 has a firstunformed leg length L₁. In one example, the first crown width C₁ may beapproximately 0.100″-0.300″ and the first unformed leg length L₁ may beapproximately 0.198″-0.250″. The first legs 4834 may be each arranged atan angle A relative to the first staple crown 4832. The angle A₁ may beapproximately 90° or it may be slightly greater than 90° such that thefirst legs 4834 are slightly splayed outward to assist in retaining thefirst staple 4830 in its corresponding first staple cavity 4822.

Turning to FIGS. 78 and 79, the staple cartridge 4810 is intended to beused in connection with an anvil 4900 that includes two inner or firstrows 4902 of staggered or angled first pairs 4903 of first stapleforming pockets 4904. Each first pair 4903 of first staple formingpockets 4904 correspond to one first staple 4830. One first stapleforming pocket 4904 corresponds to one first staple leg 4834 and theother first staple forming pocket 4904 of the pair 4903 corresponds tothe other first staple leg 4834. Such arrangement serves to establish aformed staple configuration wherein the first staple legs 4834 of afirst staple 4830 are formed out of plane with the first crown 4832 ofthat particular first staple 4830 such that one first leg 4834 is formedon one side of the first crown 4832 and the other first leg 4834 isformed on the other side of the first crown 4832. This“three-dimensional” formed staple configuration is shown with respect tosome of the first staple forming pockets 4904 in FIG. 78.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 79, the cartridge deck 4812 isof “stepped” construction. The cartridge deck 4812 includes an inner orfirst cartridge deck portion 4814 that corresponds to the inner or firstannular row 4820 of inner or first staple cavities 4822. As can befurther seen in FIG. 79, when the anvil 4900 is moved to the closed orclamping position, the portion of the anvil 4900 containing the firststaple forming pockets 4904 is spaced from the deck portion 4814 a firstgap distance g₁.

Referring again to FIGS. 77, 79 and 80, the middle or second row 4840contains a second plurality of middle or second staple cavities 4842that are each arranged at a second angle. Each middle staple cavity 4842operably supports a corresponding middle or second staple 4850 therein.The middle cavities 4842 orient the middle or second staples 4850 at thesame uniform second angle relative to the tangential direction. However,the second angle differs from the first angle. Stated another way, whenthe first and second staples are supported in their respective first andsecond cavities, the axis of the first crown of each first staple 4830,when extended, would ultimately intersect the extended axis of thesecond crown of an adjacent second staple 4850. As can be seen in FIGS.79 and 80, each second or middle staple 4850 comprises a second staplecrown or base 4852 and two second legs 4854. The staple base 4852 mayhave a somewhat rectangular cross-sectional shape and be formed from aflat sheet of material. The second staple legs 4854 may have a roundcross-sectional profile, for example. The second or middle staples maycomprise various staple configurations disclosed in, for example, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS, which has been herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Having round staple legs that extend from a staple baseportion having the rectangular cross-sectional profile can provide astaple base portion and staple legs with no preferential bending planes.The second staple 4850 comprises bend portions 4856 where the staplelegs 4854 extend from the staple base portion 4852. The bend portions4856 may comprise a substantially square cross-sectional profile. Thesquare profile and the rectangular profile of the bend portions 4856 andthe staple base portion 4852, respectively, provide a stiff connectionand backbone to the round staple legs 4854. The round staple legs 4854eliminate preferential bending planes that staple legs with a square,rectangular, or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape,cross-sections could have. Each of the second staple legs 4854 has asecond diameter D₂. In at least one embodiment, D₂>D₁. The second baseor crown 4852 has a second crown width C₂. In one arrangement, C₂>C₁.The second legs 4854 may be each arranged at an angle A₂ relative to thesecond base or crown 4852. The angle A₂ may be approximately 90° or itmay be slightly greater than 90° such that the second legs 4854 areslightly splayed outward to assist in retaining the second staple 4850in its corresponding second staple cavity 4842.

Turning to FIGS. 78 and 79, the anvil 4900 further comprises two middleor second rows 4912 of staggered or angled second pairs 4913 of secondstaple forming pockets 4914. Each second pair 4913 of second stapleforming pockets 4914 correspond to one second staple 4850. One secondstaple forming pocket 4914 corresponds to one second staple leg 4854 andthe other second staple forming pocket 4914 of the pair 4913 correspondsto the other second staple leg 4854. Such arrangement serves toestablish a formed staple configuration wherein the second legs 4854 areformed out of plane with the second base 4852 of the particular secondstaple 4850. This “three-dimensional” formed staple configuration isshown with respect to some of the second staple forming pockets 4914 inFIG. 78.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 79, the cartridge deck 4812further comprises a second cartridge deck portion 4816 that correspondsto the middle or second annular row 4840 of middle or second staplecavities 4842. As can be further seen in FIG. 79, when the anvil 4900 ismoved to the closed or clamping position, the portion of the anvil 4900containing the second staple forming pockets 4914 is spaced from thedeck portion 4816 a second gap distance g₂. In the illustrated example,g₂>g₁.

Referring again to FIGS. 77, 79 and 80, the outside or third row 4860contains a third plurality of outside or third staple cavities 4862 thatare sized relative to the second staple cavities 4842 such that eachouter or third staple cavity 4862 spans a distance between two adjacentsecond cavities 4842. Each outer staple cavity 4862 operably supports acorresponding outer or third staple 4870 therein. The outer cavities4862 orient the outer or third staples 4870 tangent to thecircumferential direction. As can be seen in FIGS. 79 and 80, each thirdor outer staple 4870 comprises a third staple crown or base 4872 and twothird legs 4874. The staple base 4872 may have a somewhat rectangularcross-sectional shape and be formed from a flat sheet of material. Thethird staple legs 4874 may have a round cross-sectional profile, forexample. The third or outer staples 4870 may comprise various stapleconfigurations disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGCONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which hasbeen herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Having roundstaple legs that extend from a staple base portion having therectangular cross-sectional profile can provide a staple base portionand staple legs with no preferential bending planes. The third staple4870 comprises bend portions 4876 where the staple legs 4874 extend fromthe staple base portion 4872. The bend portions 4876 may comprise asubstantially square cross-sectional profile. The square profile and therectangular profile of the bend portions 4876 and the staple baseportion 4872, respectively, provide a stiff connection and backbone tothe round staple legs 4874. The round staple legs 4874 eliminatepreferential bending planes that staple legs with a square, rectangular,or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape, cross-sections couldhave. In at least one embodiment, D₃>D₂. The third base or crown 4872has a third crown width C₃ and each third leg 4874 has a third unformedleg length L₃. In one arrangement, C₃>C₂ and L₃>L₂. The third legs 4874may be each arranged at an angle A₃ relative to the third base or crown4872. The angle A₃ may be approximately 90° or it may be slightlygreater than 90° such that the third legs 4874 are slightly splayedoutward to assist in retaining the third staple 4870 in itscorresponding third staple cavity 4862.

Turning to FIGS. 78 and 79, the anvil 4900 further comprises an outerrow 4916 of outer or third staple forming pockets 4918. Each thirdstaple forming pocket 4918 corresponds to one third staple 4870. As canbe most particularly seen in FIG. 79, the cartridge deck 4812 furthercomprises a third cartridge deck portion 4818 that corresponds to theouter or third row 4860 of outer or third staple cavities 4862. As canbe further seen in FIG. 79, when the anvil 4900 is moved to the closedor clamping position, the portion of the anvil 4900 containing the thirdstaple forming pockets 4918 is spaced from the deck portion 4818 a thirdgap distance g₃. In the illustrated example, g₃>g₂. As can be furtherseen in FIG. 79, in at least one embodiment, a tissue thicknesscompensator 4920 is employed in connection with each outer or thirdstaple 4870. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a wovenmaterial that is embedded with oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) topromote hemostasis. The tissue thickness compensator 4920 may compriseany of the various tissue thickness compensator arrangements disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,389, filed Feb. 24, 2014,entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYER ASSEMBLIES, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0238187, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 79, the tissuethickness compensator 4920 has a thickness designated as “a”. In oneembodiment, the tissue thickness compensator has a thickness ofapproximately 0.015″-0.045″. However, other thicknesses may be employed.

Thus, in at east one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 77-80, the staplecartridge 4810 may employ a different number of staples in each of thethree rows of staples. In one arrangement, the inner row of staplescomprises conventional staples with the smallest wire diameter and theshortest unformed leg length. Each first staple has the shortest crownwidth and each first staple is oriented at a uniform angle relative tothe tangential direction. The middle staples have a configuration thatdiffers from the first staple configuration. Each leg of the middlestaples comprises a moderate wire diameter and unformed leg length. Eachmiddle staple has a slightly larger crown width than the crown widths ofthe inner staples and each middle staple is oriented at a uniform anglerelative to the tangential direction, but at a different angle relativeto the inner row of inner staples. Each outer staple has a configurationthat is similar to the configuration of the middle staples. Each of thethird legs of each outer staple comprises the largest wire diameter ascompared to the wire diameters of the legs of the inner and middlestaples. The crown width of each outer staple is significantly largerthan the crown widths of the inner and middle staples. Each outer stapleis oriented tangentially to the circumferential direction of thecartridge. The outer row of staples employs woven tissue thicknesscompensators (spacer fabric) that is embedded with ORC to promotehemostasis. The stepped anvil and the stepped cartridge deck yielddifferent formed staple heights with the staples having the shortestformed heights being in the inner row and the staples having the longestformed heights being in the outer row. The anvil pockets correspondingto the inner and middle rows of staples are “tilted” to create threedimensional staples in the inner and middle rows. “Bathtub-type” anvilpockets correspond to the outer row of staples. In at least oneembodiment, the staples may be sequentially fired. For example, thestaples in the inner and middle rows may be fired first and the staplesin the outer row fired thereafter. The annular knife cuts the clampedtissue during the firing process.

FIGS. 81-84 depict portions of a curved stapling instrument 5000 inaccordance with at least one embodiment configured to capture, incise,and staple tissue. The curved stapling instrument 5000 comprises a frameassembly 5010, a staple cartridge 5020, and an anvil (not shown) that isconfigured to be supported in confronting relationship relative to thedeck of the staple cartridge. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, upon receiving a first actuation force, the staple cartridge 5020is driven toward the anvil to capture tissue therebetween. The curvedstapling instrument 5000 further comprises a knife assembly comprising acutting member (not shown) that is configured to incise the tissuecaptured between the staple cartridge 5020 and the anvil. The staplecartridge 5020 comprises a deck 5022 comprising a cutting slot 5024 thatis configured to receive the cutting member, a plurality of staplecavities 5030A and 5030B, and a plurality of staples 5040 (FIG. 84)removably stored within the staple cavities 5030A, 5030B. The curvedstapling instrument 5000 further comprises a driver assembly 5100comprising a main driver 5102 that is configured for axial displacementwithin the frame assembly 5010. Upon actuation of the firing system, themain driver 5102 moves axially in a direction toward the anvil. In atleast one arrangement, the axial movement of the main driver 5102 willalso advance the cutting member out of the cutting slot 5024 to cut thetissue clamped between the cartridge 5020 and the anvil.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge 5020 is divided longitudinallyinto three sections: the “high” section 5030, the “medium” section 5050,and the “low” section 5070. The cutting slot 5024 bifurcates each of thehigh, medium and low sections 5030, 5050, 5070 such that two rows ofstaple cavities are located on each side of the cutting slot 5024. Ascan be seen in FIG. 82, for example, the staple cartridge 5020 comprisestwo inner rows 5080A, 5080B of inner staple cavities 5082 and two outerrows 5090A, 5090B of outer staple cavities 5092. The staple cartridge5020 further comprises a plurality of deck features extending from thedeck 5022. For example, referring to FIGS. 81 and 82, the outer rows5090A, 5090B of staple cavities 5092 have a collection of deck featuresassociated therewith. In the illustrated example, those staple cavities5092 associated with the high section 5030 include deck features 5032that extend above the deck surface 5022 a feature height H_(h). Thosestaple cavities 5092 associated with the medium section 5050 includedeck features 5052 that extend above the deck surface 5022 a featureheight H_(m). Those staple cavities 5092 associated with the low section5070 include deck features 5072 that extend above the deck surface 5022a feature height H_(L). H_(h)>H_(m)>H_(L). In at least one embodiment,for example, H_(h) may be approximately 0.020″, H_(m) may beapproximately 0.015″, and H_(L) may be approximately 0.010″. The deckfeatures 5032, 5052, and 5072 may be molded into the deck surface 5022.Embodiments are envisioned where the deck features 5032, 5052, 5072 areseparate portions configured to be attached to the deck surface 5022.The deck features 5032, 5052, and 5072 can be extensions of the staplecavities 5092 in order to support, guide, and/or control the staples,while loading the staples into the cartridge 5020, while housing, orsupporting, the staples 5112 before ejecting the staples 5112, and/orwhile ejecting the staples from the cartridge 5020. A single deckfeature 5032, 5052, 5072 supports two different staple legs ofneighboring staples 5112. The deck features 5032, 5052, and 5072 cancomprise multiple support walls configured to support one or more sides,faces, and/or edges of each staple leg. Embodiments are envisioned wherethe deck features 5032, 5052, 5072 on the outer staple rows 5090A, 5090Bonly correlate with every other staple cavity 5092 in each outer row5090A, 5090B. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 83, the staple cavities5082 of inner rows 5080A, 5080B (only row 5080B can be seen in FIG. 83)each have deck features associated therewith. For example, those staplecavities 5082 associated with the high section 5030 include deckfeatures 5034 that extend above the deck surface 5022 a feature heightH_(h). Those staple cavities 5082 associated with the medium section5050 include deck features 5054 that extend above the deck surface 5022a feature height H_(m). Those staple cavities 5082 associated with thelow section 5070 include deck features 5074 that extend above the decksurface 5022 a feature height H_(L).

The staple cartridge 5020 includes a driver assembly 5100 that isconfigured to drive the staples supported within the staple cavities5082, 5092 toward the anvil upon the application of an actuation force.In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 83 and 84, for example, thedriver assembly 5100 includes a main driver 5102 that is configured tomove toward the anvil upon application of an actuation motion theretoand away from anvil upon application of a retraction motion thereto. Thedriver assembly 5100 further comprises a pair of high driver portions5104 (one on each side of the cutting slot 5024), a pair of mediumdriver portions 5106 (one on each side of the cutting slot 5024), and apair of low driver portions 5108 (one on each side of the cutting slot5024). Each of the driver portions 5104, 5106, 5108 has a plurality ofstaple support drivers 5110 associated therewith. A staple supportdriver 5110 is supported in each of the staple cavities 5082, 5092 andsupports a staple 5112 thereon. See, e.g., FIG. 84. Thus, when thestapling device is fired, the staples 5112 may be formed with differentformed staple heights. For example, the formed heights of the staples5112 associated with the high section 5030 may have a formed height thatis shorter than the formed height of those staples associated with themedium section 5050 and the formed height of the staples 5112 associatedwith the medium section 5050 may be shorter than the formed height ofthe staples 5112 associated with the low section 5070. Furthermore, bydriving the staples different distances may help to accommodate foranvil deflection. However, in instances where there is no anvildeflection, such arrangement provides staples with formed heights thatvary by region. Actuation of the driver assembly 5100 will also resultin the cutting member being driven through the clamped tissue. Thereader will appreciate that different staples with different leg and/orcrown configurations and/or wire diameters and/or unformed heights maybe employed in the different sections 5030, 5050, 5070 to achievedesired formed staple heights and arrangements on each side of thetissue cut line.

FIGS. 85-88 illustrate various portions of another curved staplinginstrument 5200 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured tocapture, incise, and staple tissue. Referring first to FIG. 86, thecurved stapling instrument 5200 comprises a frame assembly 5210, astaple cartridge 5220, and an anvil 5260 that is configured to besupported in confronting relationship relative to the deck 5222 of thestaple cartridge 5220. The curved stapling instrument 5200 furthercomprises a knife assembly comprising a cutting member (not shown) thatis configured to incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge5220 and the anvil 5260. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 86, thedeck 5222 comprises a “stepped” deck that includes a centrally-disposedcutting slot 5228 that is configured to receive the cutting member. Thedeck 5222 further comprises a centrally-disposed high deck portion 5224through which the cutting slot 5228 extends and a low deck portion 5226.An inner row of inner staple cavities 5230A are provided in the highdeck portion 5224 on each side of the cutting slot 5228. Each low deckportion 5226 has a corresponding row of outer staple cavities 5230Btherein. As can be seen in FIG. 86, a deck feature 5231 of the variousconfigurations disclosed herein may be associated with each of the outerstaple cavities 5230B or every other one of the outer staple cavities5230B in each outer row of outer staple cavities 5230B. In otherarrangements, deck features may additionally be associated with each ofthe inner staple cavities 5230A or every other inner staple cavity 5230Ain each row of inner staple cavities 5230A. In still other arrangements,no deck features may be employed in connection with any of the inner andouter staple cavities 5230A, 5230B.

Referring now to FIGS. 86 and 88, in at least one arrangement, eachstaple cavity 5230A removably stores an inner staple 5240 therein andeach staple cavity 5230B removably stores an outer staple 5250 therein.Each inner staple 5240 is supported on a corresponding driver 5214 andeach outer staple 5250 is supported on a corresponding driver 5216. Thedrivers 5214, 5216 form a portion of a movable driver assembly 5218 thatis operably supported in the stapling instrument 5200. It will beunderstood that the application of an actuation motion to the driverassembly 5218 will result in the advancement of each staple 5240, 5250into forming contact with the anvil 5260.

The inner rows of inner staples 5240 may comprise differentcharacteristics than the outer row of outer staples 5250. For example asillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 88, the legs of the inner staples5240 have a “gullwing” configuration. In particular, each inner staple5240 includes a pair of legs 5244, 5246 that extend from a staple crown5242. Each leg 5244, 5246 includes a vertical portion 5245, 5247 thatextends from the crown 5242. The vertical portions 5245, 5247 may beparallel to each other in one embodiment. However, in the illustratedarrangement, the vertical portions 5245, 5247 are not parallel to eachother. See FIG. 88. However, the vertical leg portions 5245, 5247 may bearranged at other angles with respect to the crown 5242. Further detailsregarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENERCARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0297232, which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. One advantage of having the vertical legportions 5245, 5247 oriented at angles greater than ninety degreesrelative to the crown 5242 is that such arrangement may assist in thetemporary retention of the staple within its corresponding staplecavity. Still referring to FIG. 88, each leg 5244, 5246 further includesan inwardly extending leg portion. In the illustrated arrangement, legportion 5248 extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion 5244 and theleg portion 5249 extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion 5246. Ascan be seen in that Figure, the leg portion 5248 is shorter than the legportion 5244. Each inner staple 5240 has an unformed height L₁.

As can also be seen in FIG. 88, the legs of the outer staples 5250 alsohave a “gullwing” configuration. In particular, each outer staple 5250includes a pair of legs 5254, 5256 that extend from a staple crown 5252.Each leg 5254, 5256 includes a vertical portion 5255, 5257 that extendsfrom the crown 5252. The vertical portions 5255, 5257 may be parallel toeach other in one embodiment. However, in the illustrated arrangement,the vertical portions 5255, 5257 are not parallel to each other. SeeFIG. 88. Further details regarding the staple configuration may be foundin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014,entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297232, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. However, the verticalleg portions 5245, 5247 may be arranged at other angles with respect tothe crown 5242. One advantage of having the vertical leg portions 5255,5257 oriented at angles greater than ninety degrees relative to thecrown 5252 is that such arrangement may assist in the temporaryretention of the staple within its corresponding staple cavity. Stillreferring to FIG. 88, each leg 5254, 5256 further includes an inwardlyextending leg portion. In the illustrated arrangement, leg portion 5258extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion 5254 and the leg portion5259 extends inwardly from the vertical leg portion 5256. As can be seenin that Figure, the leg portion 5258 is shorter than the leg portion5254. Each outer staple 5250 has an unformed height L₂. In theillustrated arrangement, L₂>L₁. In the illustrated embodiment, the innerand outer staples 5240, 5250 have the same wire diameters D₁. However,in other embodiments, the inner and outer staples 5240, 5250 havedifferent wire diameters. In still other embodiments, staples 5240 maybe provided in the staple cavities 5230B and staples 5250 may beprovided in staple cavities 5230A such that the longer unformed staplesare in the inner lines of staple cavities and the shorter staples are inthe outer lines of staple cavities.

The stapling instrument 5200 may employ an anvil 5260 as shown in FIGS.85 and 86. Referring first to FIG. 85, the anvil 5260 may include twoinserts 5264 that are supported in the anvil body 5260 such that oneinsert 5264 corresponds to the staples located on one side of thecutting slot 5228 and the other insert 5264 corresponds to the staplelocated on the other side of the cutting slot 5228. As can be seen inFIG. 86, the inserts 5264 provide the anvil 5260 with a stepped stapleforming undersurface 5261. Each insert 5264 includes an inner portion5265 and an outer portion 5267. When the anvil 5260 is positioned in aclosed orientation for clamping tissue, a gap G₁ is provided between theinner portion 5265 of the insert 5264 and the corresponding deck portion5224 and a gap G₂ is formed between the outer portion 5267 of the insert5264 and the corresponding deck portion 5226. In the illustratedarrangement G₂>G₁. The inner portion 5265 comprises an inner row 5266Aof pairs 5268A of inner staple forming cavities 5270. The outer portion5267 of each insert 5264 comprises an outer row 5266B of outer pockets5258B of outer staple forming pockets 5270.

Turning now to FIG. 87, in at least one embodiment, each staple formingpocket 5270 of each pair 5268A, 5268B of staple forming pockets 5270 hasa triangular shape. The forming pockets 5270 in a single pair 5268A,5268B are spaced from each other and are configured to receive and forma corresponding leg of a particular staple. Such arrangement serves toprovide the formed staple with a three-dimensional configuration. Thatis, each leg of the formed staple does not lie in the same plane as thestaple crown. See FIG. 87. In one arrangement, the formed height F₂ ofeach outer staple 5250 is greater than the formed height F₁ of eachinner staple 5240 as illustrated in FIG. 88. In alternativearrangements, for example, the anvil inserts may not be of a steppedconfiguration and may essentially contain lines of like staple formingpockets of the various types disclosed herein that are the same distancefrom the corresponding portions of the cartridge deck. In sucharrangements, the cartridge deck may not be stepped and may or may notcontain deck features of the types disclosed herein. In at least onevariation, the lines of inner staples may have shorter unformed lengthsthan the staples in the outer lines (farthest from the slot thataccommodates the cutting member) and visa versa. The staples in theinner and outer lines may be of the gullwing configurations disclosedherein or they may be of standard U-shape design. The staples in eachline may have the same wire diameter which may differ from or be thesame as the wire diameter of the staples in an adjacent line.

FIGS. 89 and 90 illustrate various portions of another staplinginstrument 5300 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured tocapture, incise, and staple tissue. Referring first to FIG. 89, thestapling instrument 5300 comprises a frame assembly 5310, a staplecartridge 5320, and an anvil 5360 that is configured to be supported inconfronting relationship relative to the deck 5322 of the staplecartridge 5320. The staple cartridge 5320 and anvil 5360 may be curvedor they may be straight. The stapling instrument 5300 further comprisesa knife assembly comprising a cutting member 5312 that is configured toincise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge 5320 and theanvil 5360. The staple cartridge 5320 comprises a deck 5322 thatincludes a centrally disposed cutting slot 5328 that is configured toreceive the cutting member 5312. An inner row of spaced inner staplecavities 5330A is provided on each side of the cutting slot 5228. Anouter row of space outer staple cavities 5330B is provided adjacent toeach of the inner rows of inner staple cavities 5330A. As can be seen inFIG. 89, deck features 5331 of the various configurations disclosedherein may be associated with each of the inner and outer staplecavities 5330A, 5330B. In other embodiments, every other one of theinner and/or outer staple cavities 5330A, 5330B in each respective rowhas a deck feature 5331 associated therewith. In still otherarrangements, no deck features may be employed in connection with any ofthe inner and outer staple cavities 5330A, 5330B.

In at least one arrangement, each inner staple cavity 5330A removablystores an inner staple 5340 therein and each outer staple cavity 5330Bremovably stores an outer staple 5350 therein. Each inner staple 5340 issupported on a corresponding driver 5314 and each outer staple 5350 issupported on a corresponding driver 5316. The drivers 5314, 5316 form aportion of a movable driver assembly 5318 that is operably supported inthe stapling instrument 5300. It will be understood that the applicationof an actuation motion to the driver assembly 5318 will result in theadvancement of each staple 5340, 5350 into forming contact with theanvil 5260. In the illustrated arrangement, the inner staples 5340 maycomprise legs of the gullwing design and have an unformed height L₁. Theouter staples 5350 may also have legs of the gullwing design and have anunformed height L₂. In the illustrated arrangement, L₁>L₂. However,other staple configurations disclosed herein may also be employed.

The stapling instrument 5300 may employ an anvil 5360 as shown in FIG.89. As can be seen in FIG. 89, the anvil 5360 may include two inserts5364 that are supported in the anvil body 5362 such that one insert 5364corresponds to the staples located on one side of the cutting slot 5328and the other insert 5364 corresponds to the staple located on the otherside of the cutting slot 5328. As can be seen in FIG. 89, when the anvil5360 is closed, the inserts 5364 are located a uniform distance G₁ fromthe cartridge deck 5322. Each insert 5364 comprises an inner row ofinner staple forming pockets 5368A and an outer row of outer stapleforming pockets 5368B. The staple forming pockets 5368A, 5368B may beprovided in any of the various staple forming pocket configurationsdisclosed herein. When the device 5300 is fired, the formed height F₂ ofeach outer staple 5350 is greater than the formed height F₁ of eachinner staple 5240 as illustrated in FIG. 90.

FIG. 91 illustrates various portions of another stapling instrument 5400in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to capture,incise, and staple tissue. The stapling instrument 5400 comprises aframe assembly 5410, a staple cartridge 5420, and an anvil 5470 that isconfigured to be supported in confronting relationship relative to thedeck 5422 of the staple cartridge 5420. The staple cartridge 5420 andanvil 5470 may be curved or they may be straight. The staplinginstrument 5400 further comprises a knife assembly comprising a cuttingmember 5412 that is configured to incise the tissue captured between thestaple cartridge 5420 and the anvil 5470. The staple cartridge 5420comprises a deck 5422 that includes a centrally disposed cutting slot5428 that is configured to receive the cutting member 5412. An inner rowof spaced inner staple cavities 5430A is provided on each side of thecutting slot 5428. A middle row of spaced middle staple cavities 5430Bis provided adjacent each inner row of spaced inner staple cavities5430A on each side of the cutting slot 5428. An outer row of spacedouter staple cavities 5430C are provided adjacent to each of the spacedmiddle rows of middle staple cavities 5430B. No deck features areillustrated in connection with this embodiment. However, otherembodiments employ deck features of the various configurations disclosedherein in connection with some or all of the inner staple cavitiesand/or in connection with some or all of the middle staple cavitiesand/or in connection with some or all of the outer staple cavities.

In at least one arrangement, each inner staple cavity 5430A removablystores an inner staple 5440 therein. Each middle staple cavity 5430Bremovably stores a middle staple 5450 therein. Each outer staple cavity5430C removably stores an outer staple 5460 therein. Each inner staple5440 is supported on a corresponding driver 5414. Each middle staple5450 is supported on a corresponding middle staple driver 5416. Eachouter staple 5460 is supported on a corresponding outer driver 5418. Thedrivers 5414, 5416, 5418 form a portion of a movable driver assembly5419 that is operably supported in the stapling instrument 5400. It willbe understood that the application of an actuation motion to the driverassembly 5419 will result in the advancement of each staple 5440, 5450,5460 into forming contact with the anvil 5470. In the illustratedarrangement, the inner, middle and outer staples, 5440, 5450, 5460 maybe of identical construction and have the same unformed heights.

The stapling instrument 5400 may employ an anvil 5470 as shown in FIG.91. As can be seen in FIG. 91, the anvil 5470 may include two inserts5474 that are supported in the anvil body 5472 such that one insert 5474corresponds to the staples located on one side of the cutting slot 5428and the other insert 5474 corresponds to the staples located on theother side of the cutting slot 5428. As can be seen in FIG. 89, when theanvil 5470 is closed, the inserts 5474 are located a uniform distance G₁from the cartridge deck 5422. Each insert 5474 comprises an inner row ofinner staple forming cavities 5478A, a middle row of middle stapleforming cavities 5478B and an outer row of outer staple forming cavities5478C. The staple forming cavities 5478A, 5478B, and 5478C may compriseany of the various staple forming pocket configurations disclosedherein. When the device 5400 is fired, each of the staples 5440, 5450,5460 has the same formed height and configuration. However, other stapleconfigurations and staple forming pocket configurations disclosed hereinmay also be employed so as to create staples with different formedheights and configurations.

FIG. 92 illustrates another stapling instrument 5500 in accordance withat least one embodiment configured to capture, incise, and stapletissue. The stapling instrument 5500 comprises a frame assembly 5510, astaple cartridge 5520, and an anvil 5570 (FIG. 93) that is configured tobe supported in confronting relationship relative to the deck 5522 ofthe staple cartridge 5520. The stapling instrument 5500 furthercomprises a knife assembly comprising a cutting member 5512 that isconfigured to incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge5520 and the anvil 5570. The staple cartridge 5520 comprises a deck 5522that includes a centrally disposed cutting slot 5528 that is configuredto receive the cutting member 5512. An inner row of space inner staplecavities 5530A is provided on each side of the cutting slot 5528. Amiddle row of spaced middle staple cavities 5530B is provided adjacenteach inner row of space inner staple cavities 5530A on each side of thecutting slot 5528. An outer row of spaced outer staple cavities 5530Care provided adjacent to each of the middle rows of middle staplecavities 5530B. No deck features are illustrated in connection with thisembodiment. However, other embodiments employ deck features of thevarious configurations disclosed herein in connection with some or allof the inner staple cavities and/or in connection with some or all ofthe middle staple cavities and/or in connection with some or all of theouter staple cavities. In still other arrangements, the staple cavitieslocated in every other row may have deck features associated therewith.

In at least one arrangement, each inner staple cavity 5530A removablystores an inner staple 5540 therein. Each middle staple cavity 5530Bremovably stores a middle staple 5550 therein. Each outer staple cavity5530C removably stores an outer staple 5560 therein. Each staple 5540,5550, 5560 is supported on a corresponding driver that forms a portionof a movable driver assembly that is operably supported in the staplinginstrument 5500. It will be understood that the application of anactuation motion to the driver assembly will result in the advancementof each staple 5540, 5550, 5560 into forming contact with the anvil5570. In the illustrated arrangement, the inner, middle and outerstaples, 5440, 5450, 5460 may be of identical construction and have thesame unformed heights as shown in FIG. 95. In one arrangement, forexample, the staples 5540, 5550, and 5560 may be of the type andconfigurations disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110,filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FORCURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Further to the above, the staples of the staple cartridges disclosedherein can include one or more features configured to hold the staplesin the staple cavities of the staple cartridge. Turning now to FIGS. 94and 95, a staple 5540, 5550, 5560 each includes a base 5542 and staplelegs 5544, 5546 that extend from the base 5542. The base 5542 comprisesa protrusion 5543 extending therefrom which is engaged with acorresponding detent or groove 5531 in the sidewall of the correspondingstaple cavity 5530A, 5530B, and 5530C. The interaction between theprotrusions 5543 and the detent or groove 5531 in the staple cavitysidewall keeps the staple 5540, 5550, 5560 from falling out of thebottom of the cartridge 5520. The interaction between the protrusion5543 and the staple cavity sidewall comprises an interference fit;however, such an interference fit does not prevent the staples 5540,5550, 5560 from being ejected from the respective cavities 5530A, 5530B,and 5530C. The protrusion 5543 can be formed in the base 5542 during astamping process, for example. The stamping process can form theprotrusion 5543 by creating a dent in the opposite side of the base5542. Alternative embodiments are envisioned which do not comprise thegroove or detent 5531.

The stapling instrument 5500 may employ an anvil 5570 as shown in FIG.93. As can be seen in FIG. 93, the anvil 5570 may include two inner rowsof pairs 5578A of inner staple forming pockets 5579, two middle rows5577B of pairs 5578B of middle staple forming pockets 5579 and two outerrows 5577C of pairs 5578C of outer staple forming pockets 5579. Thestaple forming pockets 5579 in a single pair 5578A, 5578B, and 5578C arespaced from each other and are configured to receive and form acorresponding leg 5544, 5546 of a particular staple 5540, 5550, and5560. However, the staple forming pockets 5579 may be provided in any ofthe various staple forming pocket configurations disclosed herein.

FIG. 96 illustrates another stapling instrument 5600 in accordance withat least one embodiment configured to capture, incise, and stapletissue. The stapling instrument 5600 comprises a frame assembly 5610, astaple cartridge 5620, and an anvil 5670 (FIG. 97) that is configured tobe supported in confronting relationship relative to the deck 5622 ofthe staple cartridge 5620. The stapling instrument 5600 furthercomprises a knife assembly comprising a cutting member 5612 that isconfigured to incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge5620 and the anvil 5670. The staple cartridge 5620 comprises a deck 5622that includes a centrally disposed cutting slot 5628 that is configuredto receive the cutting member 5612. An inner row 5630A of spaced staplecavities 5632 is provided on each side of the cutting slot 5528. Anouter row 5630B of spaced staple cavities 5632 is provided adjacent toeach of the inner rows 5630A of staple cavities 5632. No deck featuresare illustrated in connection with this embodiment. However, otherembodiments employ deck features of the various configurations disclosedherein in connection with some or all of the inner staple cavitiesand/or in connection with some or all of the outer staple cavities.

In at least one arrangement, each staple cavity 5632 removably stores astaple 5640 therein. Each staple 5640 is supported on a correspondingdriver 5650 that forms a portion of a movable driver assembly that isoperably supported in the stapling instrument 5600. It will beunderstood that the application of an actuation motion to the driverassembly will result in the advancement of each staple 5640 into formingcontact with the anvil 5670. In the illustrated arrangement, each staple5640 comprises a crown 5642 and two spaced legs 5644, 5646. As discussedherein, the legs 5644, 5646 may be perpendicular to the crown 5642 orthey may not be perpendicular to the crown 5642. As can be seen in FIG.97, each staple driver 5650 comprises a central portion 5652 that has afirst width W₁ and two end portions 5644 that each has a narrower widthW₂. The end portions 5654 support each end of the corresponding staple5642. Each cavity 5632 is similarly shaped with a central portion 5634and two end portions 5636. The narrow end portions 5636 provide lateralsupport to the staple legs 5644, 5646 as the staple 5642 is ejected outof the cavity 5632.

The stapling instrument 5600 may employ an anvil 5670 as shown in FIG.98. As can be seen in that Figure, the anvil 5670 includes two innerrows 5678A of pairs 5679A of staple forming pockets 5680, 5690 and twoouter rows 5678B of pairs 5679B of staple forming pockets 5680, 5690.The staple forming pockets 5680, 5690 in a single pair 5679A, 5679B arespaced from each other and are configured to receive and form acorresponding leg 5544, 5546 of a particular staple 5640. As can be seein FIG. 99, each staple pocket 5680 includes an outer pocket portion5682 that is configured to initially be contacted by the end of acorresponding leg 5644 and an inner pocket portion 5684 to capture theleg 5644 as it is formed inward to complete the forming process.Similarly, each staple pocket 5690 includes an outer pocket 5692 that isconfigured to initially be contacted by the end of a corresponding leg5646 and an inner pocket portion 5694 to capture the leg 5646 as it isformed inward to complete the forming process. The outer pocket portion5682 has a width S₁ and the inner pocket portion 5684 has a width S₂. Inthe illustrated embodiment, S₁>S₂. Such an arrangement serves to providea wider initial contact area for the legs and serves to retain the legsin planar alignment with the staple crown during the forming process toprovide the staple 5640 with the formed shape illustrated in FIG. 99.

FIG. 100 illustrates a portion of another stapling instrument 5700 inaccordance with at least one embodiment configured to capture, incise,and staple tissue. The stapling instrument 5700 comprises an elongatechannel 5710, a staple cartridge 5720, and an anvil 5770 that isconfigured to be supported in confronting relationship relative to thedeck 5722 of the staple cartridge 5720. The stapling instrument 5700further comprises a knife assembly 5780 comprising a cutting member 5782that is configured to incise the tissue that is captured between thestaple cartridge 5720 and the anvil 5770. In the illustratedarrangement, the knife assembly 5780 is suspended from a rotary driveshaft 5772 that is operably supported in the anvil 5770. Rotation of therotary drive shaft 5772 in a first rotary direction will drive the knifeassembly 5780 distally through the staple cartridge 5720. Rotation ofthe drive shaft 5772 in a second opposite direction will cause the knifeassembly 5780 to be retracted in a proximal direction. The knifeassembly 5780 serves to drive a wedge sled (not shown) distally whichinterfaces with the staple drivers to sequentially eject the staplesfrom the staple cartridge 5720.

The staple cartridge 5720 comprises a deck 5722 that includes acentrally disposed cutting slot 5728 that is configured to receive thecutting member 5782. An inner row of spaced inner staple cavities 5730Ais provided on each side of the cutting slot 5728. A middle row ofspaced middle staple cavities 5730B is provided adjacent each inner rowof spaced inner staple cavities 5730A on each side of the cutting slot5728. An outer row of spaced outer staple cavities 5730C are providedadjacent to each of the middle rows of middle staple cavities 5730B. Ascan be seen in FIG. 100, a deck feature 5731 of the variousconfigurations disclosed herein may be associated with each of thestaple cavities 5730A, 5730B, 5730C. In other embodiments, every otherone of the inner staple cavities 5730A and/or every other one of themiddle staple cavities 5730B and/or every other one of the outer staplecavities 5730C has a deck feature 5731 associated therewith. In stillother arrangements, no deck features may be employed in connection withany of the staple cavities 5730A, 5730B, and 5730C.

As can be seen in FIG. 100, the anvil 5770 may include two inserts 5774that are supported in the anvil body 5771 such that one insert 5774corresponds to the staples located on one side of the cutting slot 5728and the other insert 5774 corresponds to the staples located on theother side of the cutting slot 5728. As can be seen in FIG. 100, whenthe anvil 5770 is closed, the inserts 5774 are located a uniformdistance G₁ from the cartridge deck 5722. Each insert 5774 comprises aninner row of inner staple forming cavities 5778A, a middle row of middlestaple forming cavities 5778B and an outer row of outer staple formingcavities 5778C. The staple forming cavities 5778A, 5778B, and 5778C maycomprise any of the various staple forming pocket configurationsdisclosed herein. When the device 5700 is fired, each of the staples5740 attains the same formed height and configuration. However, otherstaple configurations and staple forming pocket configurations disclosedherein may also be employed so as to create staples with differentformed heights and configurations.

Referring now to FIG. 101, a staple 5740 comprises a base 5742 andstaple legs 5744, 5548 that extend from the base 5542. In theillustrated arrangement, the leg 5744 may have a gullwing configuration.That is, the leg 5744 has a vertically extending portion 5745 and aninwardly angled end portion 5746. Other embodiments may employ the typeand staple configurations disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGCONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 102 illustrates a surgical staple cartridge 5820, which may beused, for example, in connection with the stapling device 5700 describedabove or one of the similar stapling device arrangements disclosed inthe various references incorporated by reference herein. The staplecartridge 5820 comprises a deck 5822 that includes a centrally disposedcutting slot 5828 that is configured to receive the cutting membertherethrough. An inner row 5830A of spaced staple cavities 5832 isprovided on each side of the cutting slot 5828. A middle row 5830B ofspaced staple cavities 5832 is provided adjacent each inner row 5830A oneach side of the cutting slot 5828. An outer row 5832C of spacedcavities 5832 is provided adjacent to each of the middle rows 5830B ofstaple cavities 5832. No deck features are illustrated in connectionwith this embodiment. However, other embodiments employ deck features ofthe various configurations disclosed herein in connection with some orall of the inner staple cavities and/or in connection with some or allof the middle staple cavities and/or in connection with some or all ofthe outer staple cavities.

In at least one arrangement, each staple cavity 5832 removably stores astaple 5840 therein. In one arrangement, for example, the staples 5840may be of the type and configurations disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, and entitledSURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. Further to the above, the staples of the staple cartridgesdisclosed herein can include one or more features configured to hold thestaples in the staple cavities of the staple cartridge. Turning now toFIG. 103, a staple 5840 includes a base 5842 and staple legs 5844, 5846that extend from the base 5842. The base 5842 comprises a protrusion5843 extending therefrom which is engaged with a corresponding detent orgroove 5833 in the sidewall of the corresponding staple cavity 5832. Theinteraction between the protrusion 5843 and the detent or groove 5833 inthe staple cavity sidewall keeps the staple 5840 from falling out of thebottom of the cartridge 5820. The interaction between the protrusion5843 and the staple cavity sidewall comprises an interference fit;however, such an interference fit does not prevent the staples 5840 frombeing ejected from the respective cavities 5832. The protrusion 5843 canbe formed in the base 5842 during a stamping process, for example. Thestamping process can form the protrusion 5843 by creating a dent in theopposite side of the base 5842. Alternative embodiments are envisionedwhich do not comprise the groove or detent 5833.

FIG. 104 illustrates an anvil 5970 that includes a rotary drive shaft5972 for driving a knife assembly in the above described manner. Theanvil 5970 may include two inserts 5974 that are supported in the anvilbody 5971 such that one insert 5974 corresponds to the staples locatedon one side of the cutting slot in a corresponding staple cartridge (notshown) and the other insert 5974 corresponds to the staples located onthe other side of the cutting slot. Each insert 5974 comprises an innerrow 5978A of pairs 5979A of staple forming cavities 5980, a middle row5978B of pairs 5979B of staple forming cavities 5980 and an outer row5978C of pairs 5979C of staple forming cavities 5980. The staple formingpockets 5980 in a single pair 5979A, 5979B, 5979C are spaced from eachother and are configured to receive and form a corresponding leg 5944,5946 of a corresponding staple 5940.

The various staple cartridge and staple configurations disclosed hereinmay be employed in connection with various drug eluting arrangements.Each of the following references is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its respective entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/840,613, filed Aug. 31, 2015, entitled DRUG ELUTING ADJUNCTS ANDMETHODS OF USING DRUG ELUTING ADJUNCTS; U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/667,874, filed Mar. 25, 2015, entitled MALLEABLE BIOABSORBABLEPOLYMER ADHESIVE FOR RELEASABLY ATTACHING A STAPLE BUTTRESS TO ASURGICAL STAPLER; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/531,619, filedJun. 25, 2012, entitled TISSUE STAPLER HAVING A THICKNESS COMPENSATORCOMPRISING INCORPORATING A HEMOSTATIC AGENT, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2012/0318842; U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/531,623, filed Jun. 25, 2012, entitled TISSUE STAPLER HAVING ATHICKNESS COMPENSATOR INCORPORATING AN OXYGEN GENERATING AGENT, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0318843; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/531,627, filed Jun. 25, 2012, entitled TISSUE STAPLER HAVINGA THICKNESS COMPENSATOR INCORPORATING AN ANTI-MICROBIAL AGENT, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0312860; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/531,630, filed Jun. 25, 2012, entitled TISSUE STAPLER HAVINGA THICKNESS COMPENSATOR INCORPORATING AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENT, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0318844; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/763,161, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled RELEASABLE LAYER OFMATERIAL AND SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING THE SAME, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0153641; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/763,177, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled ACTUATOR FOR RELEASING ALAYER OF MATERIAL FROM A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0146641; U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/763,192, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled MULTIPLE THICKNESS IMPLANTABLELAYERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0146642; U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/763,028, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled ADHESIVE FILM LAMINATE, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0146643; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/763,035, filed Feb. 8, 2013 entitled, ACTUATOR FOR RELEASINGA TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR FROM A FASTENER CARTRIDGE, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0214030; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/763,042, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled RELEASABLE TISSUE THICKNESSCOMPENSATOR AND FASTENER CARTRIDGE HAVING THE SAME, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0221063; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/763,048, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGECOMPRISING A RELEASABLE TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0221064; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/763,054, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGECOMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER FOR RELEASING A TISSUE THICKNESSCOMPENSATOR, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0097227; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/763,065, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitledFASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A RELEASABLY ATTACHED TISSUE THICKNESSCOMPENSATOR, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0221065; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/763,078, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitledANVIL LAYER ATTACHED TO A PROXIMAL END OF AN END EFFECTOR, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0256383; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/763,094, filed Feb. 8, 2013, entitled LAYER COMPRISING DEPLOYABLEATTACHMENT MEMBERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0256377; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/763,106, filed Feb. 8,2013, entitled END EFFECTOR COMPRISING A DISTAL TISSUE ABUTMENT MEMBER,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0256378; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/532,825, filed Jun. 26, 2012, entitled TISSUETHICKNESS COMPENSATOR HAVING IMPROVED VISIBILITY, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0256376; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/300,954, filed Jun. 10, 2014, entitled ADJUNCT MATERIALS ANDMETHODS OF USING SAME IN SURGICAL METHODS FOR TISSUE SEALING, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0351758; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/926,027, filed Oct. 29, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERBUTTRESS ASSEMBLY WITH GEL ADHESIVE RETAINER; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/926,029, filed Oct. 29, 2015, entitled FLUID PENETRABLEBUTTRESS ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLER; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/926,072, filed Oct. 29, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER BUTTRESSASSEMBLY WITH FEATURES TO INTERACT WITH MOVABLE END EFFECTOR COMPONENTS;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/926,090, filed Oct. 29, 2015,entitled EXTENSIBLE BUTTRESS ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL STAPLER; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/926,160, filed Oct. 29, 2015, entitledMULTI-LAYER SURGICAL STAPLER BUTTRESS ASSEMBLY.

The various anvil arrangements disclosed herein may employ relativelyplanar forming inserts that include staple forming pockets that areformed therein or they may have “stepped” forming surfaces that havecorresponding staple forming pockets formed therein. The various staplecartridge arrangements herein may have planar deck surfaces or the decksurfaces may be stepped (include deck surface portions that are ondifferent planes). In some embodiments, deck features may be associatedwith all of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge. In otherarrangements, deck features are employed in connection with all of thestaple cavities in every other row of staple cavities. Still otherembodiments are envisioned wherein the deck features are associated withevery other staple cavity in a particular row, with every other row ofcavities being so constructed. Still other embodiments are contemplatedwherein no deck features are employed.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may employ staples that have a“U”-shaped unformed configuration or the staples may be of differentunformed shapes wherein, for example, the base or crown has arectangular cross-sectional shape. The various staples may be formedfrom wire that has a round cross-sectional shape, a squaredcross-sectional shape, combinations of round and squared cross-sectionalshapes, etc. The staples may be provided with one or more legs that havea gullwing or tapered configuration. The staples may have different wirediameters and different maximum cross-sectional dimensions. The staplelegs may symmetric or they may be asymmetric (with and without benttips). The legs of a particular staple may be parallel to each other orthey may not be parallel to each other. Staples in a particularcartridge may have identical unformed heights or they may have differentunformed heights. The staples in a particular cartridge or region mayhave identical crown widths or they may have different crown widths. Thestaples and their corresponding staple pockets may be configured suchthat when the staple is formed, the legs lie in the same plane as thestaple crown or base or they may be configured such that when the stapleis formed, the legs do not lie in the same plane with the crown or thebase. All of the aforementioned staple features can vary from staple tostaple, between regions of staples and between cartridge selections.

In circular staple anvil arrangements, the staple forming pockets may betangent to the circumference of the anvil. In other arrangements or inaddition to the tangentially arranged staple forming pockets, otherstaple forming pockets may be provided at angles to the tangentialdirection. Such variations in staple forming pocket orientations may beprovided within a particular row of staple forming pockets or indifferent rows of staple forming pockets. A variety of different stapleforming pocket geometries may also be employed. Conventional symmetricalstaple forming pocket geometries may be employed. In addition to or inthe alternative, asymmetrical staple forming pocket geometries may beemployed. Other staple forming pockets may have a bowtie shape withthere is a large landing zone for each staple leg to funnel thecorresponding leg to a narrower exit pocket portion. All of theaforementioned staple forming pocket features can vary from pocket topocket, between regions or lines of pockets and between particular anvilselections.

The various stapling devices disclosed herein may also be configured toprovide different amounts of driver travel that is tailored to achievedesired formed staple heights relative to corresponding gaps providedbetween the anvil and the cartridge. For example, in some arrangements,a staple driver may be driven just past the cartridge deck or well pastthe cartridge deck to control the formed staple height. By matching anamount of driver travel to a particular staple having a desired unformedlength or height, staples with desired formed heights can be obtained.

As described in various embodiments of the present disclosure, asurgical stapling and cutting instrument includes an anvil and acartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge. One or bothof the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the otherbetween an open configuration and a closed configuration to capturetissue therebetween. Staples are deployed from staple cavities in thestaple cartridge into the captured tissue. The staples are formedagainst forming pockets in the anvil. After the staples are deployed,the staple cartridge can be replaced.

To properly form the staples, the staple cavities and the formingpockets need to be closely aligned in the closed configuration. Alimitation arises in that one type of anvil is only useable with onetype of staple cartridge. Different staple cartridges that have staplecavities that are arranged differently cannot be used with the sameanvil because the staple cavities cannot be properly aligned with theforming pockets of the anvil. The present disclosure comprises variousembodiments that modify an anvil to be useable with different staplecartridges. Another limitation arises when an anvil includes one or morecomponents that are configured to be changed or spent during stapledeployment. The present disclosure comprises various embodiments thatmodify an anvil to replenish components or features that are changed orspent during staple deployment and/or to present new features and/orcomponents.

Referring to FIG. 106, an anvil assembly 15000 includes an anvilmodification member 15004 that is attached to an anvil 15002. The anvilmodification member 15004 includes a tissue-contacting surface 15006 andan anvil-contacting surface 15008. The tissue-contacting surface 15006comprises pockets 15010 that are different from forming pockets 15012 ofthe anvil 15002. When the anvil modification member 15004 is notattached to the anvil 15002, the forming pockets 15012 are alignablewith the staple cavities of a first staple cartridge. When the anvilmodification member 15004 is attached to the anvil 15002, however, theforming pockets 15010 are alignable with the staple cavities of a secondstaple cartridge while are different from the staple cavities of thefirst staple cartridge.

As illustrated in FIG. 106, an anvil 15002 comprises a stepped deck15013 while the anvil modification member 15004 comprises a non-steppeddeck 15015. Alternatively, an anvil may comprise a non-stepped deck,which can be modified by an anvil modification member that comprises astepped deck. The stepped deck 15013 includes outer rows of formingpockets 15012′ that are stepped up from inner rows of forming pockets15012. The non-stepped deck 15015 includes forming pockets 15010 thatare defined in a planar tissue-contacting surface 15006. In at least oneinstance, an anvil modification member can include one or more rows offorming pockets 15010 that are stepped up from other rows of formingpockets 15010.

In at least one instance, an anvil modification member 15004 can be usedwhen one or more components or features of an anvil have been changed orspent during a previous use of the anvil. In such instances, the anvilmodification member replaces a spent or changed tissue-contactingsurface of the anvil with a new tissue-contacting surface with newcomponents or features. For example, the forming pockets 15012 of theanvil 15002 may include circuit elements that are severable duringstaple deployment. Instead of repairing the severed circuit elementsevery time the anvil is used, an anvil modification member can beemployed to present a replacement tissue-contacting surface includinganvil pockets with intact circuit elements. In another example, an anvilmay include an implantable layer positioned against a tissue-contactingsurface of the anvil. Instead of attaching a new implantable layer tothe anvil every time the anvil is used, an anvil modification member canbe employed to present a replacement tissue-contacting surface with animplantable layer that is attached to the replacement tissue-contactingsurface.

In at least one instance, an anvil modification member 15004 can be usedto introduce one or more new components or features in an anvil. Asillustrated in FIG. 107, the anvil modification member 15004 comprisesan implantable layer 15014. Although the anvil 15002 may not originallyinclude an implantable layer, an implantable layer can be added to theanvil 15002 by attaching the anvil modification member 15004 to theanvil 15002, as illustrated in FIG. 106. The implantable layer 15014 canbe attached to the anvil modification member 15004 using variousattachment means such as, for example, biocompatible glue and/or straps.The implantable layer 15014 is released from the anvil modificationmember 15004 during deployment of the staples. In certain instances, aformed staple defines an entrapment area that may include tissue and aportion of the implantable layer 15014. In such instances, the entrappedportion of implantable layer 15014 can function as a tissue thicknesscompensator. The implantable layer 15014 may comprise a polymericcomposition. The polymeric composition may comprise one or moresynthetic polymer and/or one or more non-synthetic polymer. Thesynthetic polymer may comprise a synthetic absorbable polymer and/or asynthetic non-absorbable polymer.

During the staple formation process, an anvil is subjected tosignificant forces. Gaps between an anvil and an anvil modificationmember can lead to reduction in stability and/or an increased risk ofcollapse during the staple formation process. As illustrated in FIGS.106 and 107, an anvil modification member 15004 includes gap fillers15016 that extend from the anvil-contacting surface 15008 of the anvilmodification member 15004. The gap fillers 15016 are configured toprovide additional support between an anvil 15002 and an anvilmodification member 15004, and are especially useful in situations wherethe anvil includes a stepped deck.

As illustrated in FIG. 106, the stepped deck 15013 of the anvil 15002has one or more gaps between the anvil 15002 and the anvil modificationmember 15004. The gap fillers 15016 are strategically positioned againstthe outer rows of forming pockets 15012′ of the stepped deck 15013 tominimize the gaps between the anvil modification member 15004 and theanvil 15002 when the anvil modification member 15004 is attached to theanvil 15002. In at least one instance, an anvil-contacting surface 15008of anvil modification member 15004 includes protrusions configured tofill, or at least substantially fill, corresponding anvil pockets of ananvil attached to the anvil modification member 15004.

The anvil modification member 15004 includes one or more attachmentfeatures 15018. In at least one instance, the attachment features 15018are configured to releasably attach the anvil modification member 15004to the anvil 15002. As illustrated in FIGS. 106 and 107, the attachmentfeatures 15018 of the anvil modification member 15004 are comprised ofside walls that are sufficiently spaced apart from one another tosnuggly grip the outer walls 15020 of the anvil 15002. The attachmentfeatures 15018 include beveled, curved, radiused, and/or shaved edges15022 that are configured to form continuous or flush surfaces with theanvil 15002 when the anvil modification member 15004 is attached to theanvil 15002. The resulting flush surfaces are intended to reduce orprevent trauma to tissue.

In at least one instance, an anvil modification member can be designedfor snapping engagement with an anvil. For example, an anvil can includeone or more slits that are configured to frictionally receive one ormore upstanding tabs that extend from an anvil-contacting surface of ananvil modification member. Other attachment means can be utilized toposition an anvil modification member against an anvil such as, forexample, biocompatible glue and/or screws.

Referring again to FIGS. 106 and 107, an anvil modification member 15004includes a transectable portion 15024 extending longitudinally betweentwo sides 15028 and 15030 of the anvil modification member 15004. Whenthe anvil modification member 15004 is attached to the anvil 15002, asillustrated in FIG. 106, the transectable portion 15024 is aligned witha longitudinal slot 15026 extending between two sides 15032 and 15034 ofthe stepped deck 15013 of the anvil 15002. The transectable portion15024 is severed by a cutting member traveling distally along thelongitudinal slot 15026. The transectable portion 15024 stabilizes theanvil modification member 15004 when the anvil modification member 15004is attached to the anvil 15002. In at least one instance, the sides15028 and 15030 of the anvil modification member 15004 are completelysevered, and separated, by the cutting member as the cutting member isadvanced distally along the longitudinal slot 15026. In other instances,the sides 15028 and 15030 of the anvil modification member 15004 areonly partially severed by the cutting member as the cutting member isadvanced distally along the longitudinal slot 15026.

Referring to FIG. 108, an anvil modification member 15104 is depicted.The anvil modification member 15104 is similar in many respects to theanvil modification member 15004. For example, the anvil modificationmember 15104 is releasably attached to an anvil 15002. Unlike the anvilmodification member 15004, the anvil modification member 15104 lacks atransectable portion. Instead, the anvil modification member 15104includes an elongate slot 15124 extending between two sides 15128 and15130 of the anvil modification member 15104. In other instances,however, the anvil modification member 15104 may be equipped with atransectable portion in place of the elongate slot 15124.

The anvil modification member 15104 includes a proximal end 15136 and adistal end 15138. The elongate slot 15124 can be defined through theproximal end 15136 and/or the distal end 15138. Furthermore, theelongate slot 15124 defines a longitudinal axis 15140 extending betweenthe two sides 15128 and 15130. As illustrated in FIG. 109, the elongateslot 15124 is aligned with an elongate slot 15026 of an anvil 15002 whenthe anvil modification member 15104 is attached to the anvil 15002.While in alignment, the elongate slots 15124 and 15026 are configured toreceive a cutting member adapted to sever soft tissue, for example.

The anvil modification member 15104 includes three rows of formingpockets 15110 a, 15110 b, and 15110 c on each of the sides 15128 and15130. As illustrated in FIG. 109, a plurality of first forming pocket15110 a can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to oneanother. Likewise, a plurality of second forming pockets 15110 b can beparallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another and/or aplurality of third forming pockets 15110 c can be parallel, or at leastsubstantially parallel, to one another. In at least one instance,“substantially parallel”, for purposes herein, can mean being withinabout 15 degrees of parallel in either direction.

In certain instances, at least one first forming pocket 15110 a, atleast one second forming pocket 15110 b, and at least one third formingpocket 15110 c are defined in a tissue-contacting surface 15108 of theanvil modification member 15004. The first forming pocket 15110 a, thesecond forming pocket 15110 b, and the third forming pocket 15110 c canbe situated on the side 15128 and/or the side 15130. As illustrated inFIG. 109, the first forming pocket 15110 a defines a first axis 15142extending through a proximal end and a distal end of the first formingpocket 15110 a. Likewise, the second forming pocket 15110 b defines asecond axis 15144 extending through a proximal end and a distal end ofthe second forming pocket 15110 b. Also, the third forming pocket 15110c defines a third axis 15146 extending through a proximal end and adistal end of the third forming pocket 15110 c. The second axis 15144 istransverse to the first axis 15142 such that the axes 15144 and 15142create an acute or obtuse angle therebetween. In addition, the secondaxis 15144 is transverse to the third axis 15146 such as the axes 15144and 15146 create an acute or obtuse angle therebetween.

As illustrated in FIG. 109, the first axis 15142 is parallel, or atleast substantially parallel, to the third axis 15146, while the secondaxis 15144 is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, tothe first axis 15142 and/or the third axis 15146. In at least oneinstance, “substantially perpendicular”, for purposes herein, can meanbeing within about 15 degrees of perpendicular in either direction.

Referring to FIGS. 109-112, the first forming pockets 15110 a, secondforming pockets 15110 b, and third forming pockets 15110 c of the anvilmodification member 15104 are configured to form or bend staplesdeployable from first staple cavities 15210 a, second staple cavities15210 b, and third staple cavities 15210 c, respectively, of a staplecartridge 15200. For example, a first forming pocket 15110 a includestwo forming pockets 15152 that are configured to receive and form staplelegs 15254 of a staple 15256 as the staple 15256 is deployed from afirst staple cavity 15210 a.

In a closed configuration, the anvil 15002 is aligned, or at leastsubstantially aligned, with the staple cartridge 15200 such that tissueis captured between a tissue-contacting surface 15108 of the anvilmodification member 15104 and a tissue-contacting surface 15208 of thestaple cartridge 15200. In addition, the first forming pockets 15110 a,second forming pockets 15110 b, and third forming pockets 15110 c of theanvil modification member 15104 are aligned, or at least substantiallyaligned, with the first staple cavities 15210 a, second staple cavities15210 b, and third staple cavities 15210 c, respectively, to capture andform the staple legs 15254 of the deployed staples 15256.

The staple cartridge 15200 includes a first side 15228 and a second side15230. An elongate slot 15224 extends between the first side 15228 andthe second side 15230. The elongate slot 15224 can extend between and/orthrough a proximal end 15236 and a distal end 15238 of the staplecartridge 15200. The staple cartridge 15200 includes three rows ofstaple cavities 15210 a, 15210 b, and 15210 c on each of the sides 15228and 15230. In the closed configuration, the elongate slot 15224 isaligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the elongate slot 15026of an anvil 15002 and the elongate slot 15124 of the anvil modificationmember 15104. While in alignment, the elongate slots 15224, 15124 and15026 are configured to receive a cutting member adapted to sever softtissue, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 110, a plurality of first staple cavities 15210 aare parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another.Likewise, a plurality of second staple cavities 15210 b are parallel, orat least substantially parallel, to one another and/or a plurality ofthird staple cavities 15210 c are parallel, or at least substantiallyparallel, to one another.

In certain instances, at least one first staple cavity 15210 a, at leastone second staple cavity 15210 b, and at least one third staple cavity15210 c are defined in a tissue-contacting surface 15208 of the staplecartridge 15200. The first staple cavity 15210 a, the second staplecavity 15210 b, and the third staple cavity 15210 c can be situated onthe side 15228 and/or the side 15230. As illustrated in FIG. 110, thefirst staple cavity 15210 a defines a first axis 15242 extending througha proximal end and a distal end of the first staple cavity 15210 a.Likewise, the second staple cavity 15210 b defines a second axis 15244extending through a proximal end and a distal end of the second staplecavity 15210 b. Also, the third staple cavity 15210 c defines a thirdaxis 15246 extending through a proximal end and a distal end of thethird staple cavity 15210 c. The second axis 15244 is transverse to thefirst axis 15242 such that the axes 15244 and 15242 create an acute orobtuse angle therebetween. In addition, the second axis 15244 istransverse to the third axis 15246 such as the axes 15244 and 15246create an acute or obtuse angle therebetween. As illustrated in FIG.110, the first axis 15242 is parallel, or at least substantiallyparallel, to the second axis 15246, while the second axis 15244 isperpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the firstaxis 15242 and/or the second axis 15246, for example.

In various instances, further to the above, an anvil can comprise rowsof staple forming pockets aligned along a first set of longitudinalaxes. An anvil modification member which is attachable to the anvil cancomprise rows of staple forming pockets aligned along a second set oflongitudinal axes which are not aligned with the first set oflongitudinal axes. As a result, the staple forming pockets on the anvilmodification member are not longitudinally aligned with the stapleforming pockets on the anvil. In some instances, some longitudinal rowsof forming pockets on the anvil modification member are aligned with thelongitudinal rows of forming pockets on the anvil while otherlongitudinal rows of forming pockets on the anvil modification memberare not aligned with the longitudinal rows of forming pockets on theanvil.

Referring to FIGS. 113 and 114, at least one first staple 15256 a fromat least one first staple cavity 15210 a, at least one second staple15256 b from at least one second staple cavity 15210 b, and at least onethird staple 15256 c from at least one third staple cavity 15210 c aresimultaneously deployable into tissue captured between the anvilmodification member 15104 and the staple cartridge 15200. A triplestaple driver 15260 can be configured to cooperate with a cam sled ofthe staple cartridge 15200 to simultaneously deploy three staples 15256a, 15256 b, and 15256 c from their respective staple cavities 15210 a,15210 b, and 15210 c. Staple drivers 15260 can be lifted, or slid,upwardly within staple cavities 15210 a, 15210 b, and 15210 c by the camsled such that the upward movement of staple drivers 15260 can eject, ordeploy, staples 15256 a, 15256 b, and 15256 c.

As illustrated FIGS. 113 and 114, each of the three staples 15256 a,15256 b, and 15256 c includes a base 15253 situated against a cradle15255 of the staple driver 15260. The staple driver 15260 comprises tworamps 15257 that are configured to cooperate with a cam sled of thestaple cartridge 15200 to simultaneously deploy three staples 15256 a,15256 b, and 15256 c from their respective staple cavities 15210 a,15210 b, and 15210 c.

The three staples 15256 a, 15256 b, and 15256 c define common planes15272, 15274, and 15276, respectively. The three staples 15256 a, 15256b, and 15256 c are oriented with respect to the staple driver 15260 suchthat, the second common plane 15274 is transverse to the first commonplane 15272 such that the common planes 15274 and 15272 create an acuteor obtuse angle therebetween. In addition, the second common plane 15274is transverse to the third common plane 15276 such that the commonplanes 15274 and 15276 create an acute or obtuse angle therebetween. Asillustrated in FIG. 114, the first common plane 15272 is parallel, or atleast substantially parallel, to the third common plane 15276, while thesecond common plane 15274 is perpendicular, or at least substantiallyperpendicular, to the first common plane 15272 and the second commonplane 15276.

Referring to FIG. 115, an end effector 15300 includes a staple cartridge15301 illustrated in a closed configuration with an anvil assembly 15303that includes an anvil modification member 15304 attached to an anvil15002. The anvil modification member 15304 is similar in many respectsto the anvil modification member 15004. For example, the anvilmodification member 15304 includes a transectable portion 15024 andforming pockets 15010 disposed on two sides 15028 and 15030 of the anvilmodification member 15304. An implantable layer 15314 is disposedagainst the forming pockets 15010 of the side 15028, and an implantablelayer 15315 is disposed against the forming pockets 15010 of the side15030. The implantable layers 15314 and 15315 are spaced apart defininga gap 15317 therebetween. The gap 15317 extends longitudinally inparallel, or at least substantially in parallel, with the transectableportion 15024. Implantable layers 15318 and 15319 are disposed against astepped deck 15321 of the staple cartridge 15301. Staples 15323 aresupported by cradles 15355 within staple cavities 15325 of the staplecartridge 15301. The staples 15323 are configured to be formed againstthe forming pockets 15010 when the anvil modification member 15304 isattached to the anvil 15002, as illustrated in FIG. 114. Alternatively,when the anvil modification member 15304 is not attached to the anvil15002, the staples 15323 are configured to be formed against the formingpockets 15012 and 15012′ of the anvil 15002.

FIG. 116 illustrates three unformed staples 15323 a, 15323 b, and 15323c that are similar to one another, and are similarly situated within astaple cavity 15325 of a staple cartridge 15301. The staples 15323 a,15323 b, and 15323 c comprise the same, or at least substantially thesame, unformed height H of about 0.150″. In various instances, theunformed height H can be selected from a range of about 0.100″ to about0.200″, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 116, the staples 15323 a,15323 b, and 15323 c comprise different formed heights H1, H2, and H3,respectively. The staples 15323 a, 15323 b, and 15323 c were formed inan inner row, intermediate row, and outer row of the staple cartridge15301, respectively. A formed height of a staple depends on a formingdistance defined between a forming pocket and a corresponding cradlethat supports the staple in a corresponding staple cavity. The formingdistance can be changed by positioning a forming pocket closer orfurther away from a corresponding cradle. An anvil modification membercan be employed to change a forming distance. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 115, a first forming distance D1 is defined betweena forming pocket 15010 of the anvil modification member 15304 and aforming cradle 15355, while a second forming distance D2, greater thanthe first forming distance D1, is defined between a forming pocket15012′ of the anvil 15002 and the same cradle 15355.

Referring to FIG. 116, the staple 15323 b comprises a formed height H2greater than the formed height H1 of the staple 15323 a because thesecond forming distance D2 is greater than the first forming distanceD1. Said another way, the staple 15323 b was formed against a formingpocket 15012′ of the anvil 15002 while the staple 15323 a was formedagainst a forming pocket 15010 of the anvil modification member 15304.As illustrated in FIG. 116, the formed height H3 of the staple 15323 cof the outer row of staples of the staple cartridge 15301 is a formedheight of a first staple leg of the staple 15323 c which is less than aformed height of a second staple leg of the staple 15323 c. A staplesuch as the staple 15323 c can comprise staple legs that are formed todifferent staple heights, as illustrated in FIG. 116.

In various instances, an anvil modification member may include a steppedtissue-contacting surface, wherein at least one row of forming pocketsis stepped up or down with respect to the other rows of forming pockets,for example. In certain instances, an anvil modification member may bepositioned against a particular portion of an anvil to modify thatportion. For example, an anvil modification member can be positionedagainst a proximal portion of an anvil to modify the proximal portionwhile the distal and central portions remain unchanged. In anotherexample, an anvil modification member can be positioned against acentral portion of an anvil to modify the central portion while thedistal and proximal portions remain unchanged. In yet another example,an anvil modification member can be positioned against a distal portionof an anvil to modify the distal portion while the proximal and centralportions remain unchanged.

In various instances, an anvil modification member can be configured tomodify a subset of forming pockets of an anvil. For example, an anvilmodification member can be positioned against one or more rows offorming pockets of an anvil to modify the one or more rows of formingpockets while the remaining rows of forming pockets of the anvil remainunchanged. In at least one instance, an anvil modification member suchas, for example, the anvil modification member 15304 can modify orchange a compression exerted onto tissue captured between a staplecartridge such as, for example, the staple cartridge 15301 and an anvilsuch as, for example, the anvil 15002. The anvil modification member15304 can increase the compression exerted onto the captured tissue byreducing the tissue compression gap between the staple cartridge 15301and the anvil 15002. By positioning the anvil modification member 15304against the anvil 15002, the size of the tissue compression gap iseffectively reduced by the size of the anvil modification member 15304which increases the compression applied to the captured tissue. Thetissue compression gap comprises a height of about 0.045″. In variousinstances, the tissue compression gap may comprise a height selectedfrom a range of about 0.03″ to about 0.10″ for example. Other values forthe height of the tissue compression gap are contemplated by the presentdisclosure.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719,for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrumentsystem in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

European Patent Application No. EP 795298, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITHIMPROVED FIRING STROKE, which was filed on Mar. 12, 1997;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,272, entitled TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 25, 1997;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRINGSTROKE, which issued on Dec. 16, 1997;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0246881, entitled METHODFOR MAKING A SURGICAL STAPLER, which published on Nov. 10, 2005;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0208359, entitled METHODFOR STAPLING TISSUE, which published on Sep. 6, 2007;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,724, entitled DISPOSABLE LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, which issued on Jul. 9, 1985;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,198, entitled FAST CLOSURE DEVICE FOR LINEARSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Aug. 11, 1992;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,073, entitled FLEXIBLE SUPPORT SHAFT ASSEMBLY, whichissued on Apr. 11, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,297, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLINGINSTRUMENT WITH SELF ADJUSTING ANVIL, which issued on Jan. 29, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,242, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR ASSURING THE PROPER SEQUENTIALOPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,259, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEPARATE TISSUE SECURING AND TISSUE CUTTINGSYSTEMS, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,266, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR PERMITTING THE OPTIONAL TRANSECTION OFTISSUE, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,274, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR BYPASSING AN OPERATIONAL STEP OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT; which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21,2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING ANDFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued onSep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec.16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, whichissued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FORA SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICALCUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROLASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE,filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012;now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263551;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICALCUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM,filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according tovarious embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiplecomponents, and multiple components may be replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoingdescription and following claims are intended to cover all suchmodification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical circular stapler, comprising: a staplecartridge, comprising: a cartridge body defining an annular decksurface; a plurality of deck features protruding from said annular decksurface; an inner annular row of staple cavities in said cartridge body;at least one first staple positioned within each staple cavity in saidinner annular row, wherein each said first staple comprises a firstcrown and a pair of first legs extending from the first crown anddefining a first unformed height; an outer annular row of staplecavities positioned radially outward with respect to the inner annularrow of staple cavities; and at least one second staple positioned withineach staple cavity in said outer annular row, wherein each said secondstaple comprises a second staple crown and a pair of second legsextending from the second crown and defining a second unformed heightthat is equal to said first unformed height and wherein said surgicalcircular stapler further comprises: an anvil movably supportablerelative to said staple cartridge and comprising: a first staple formingportion located a first forming distance from said annular deck surface;and a second staple forming portion located a second forming distancefrom said annular deck surface that differs from said first formingdistance.
 2. The surgical circular stapler of claim 1, wherein saidsecond forming distance is greater than said first forming distance. 3.The surgical circular stapler of claim 1, wherein at least one saidsecond leg of each said second staple has an end portion that extendsinwardly toward the other second leg of said second staple.
 4. Thesurgical circular stapler of claim 3, wherein the second legs of eachsaid second staple each has an inwardly extending end portion.
 5. Thesurgical circular stapler of claim 1, wherein said deck surface definesa centrally disposed knife opening and wherein said plurality of deckfeatures are located around said centrally disposed knife opening andadjacent thereto.
 6. The surgical circular stapler of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of deck features are associated with at least some of thestaple cavities in one of the inner annular row and the outer annularrow of staple cavities.
 7. The surgical circular stapler of claim 6,wherein said plurality of deck features are associated with every otherstaple cavity in said annular outer row.
 8. The surgical circularstapler of claim 1, wherein said first and second staples comprise asame diameter.
 9. The surgical circular stapler of claim 1, furthercomprising an upstanding outer annular rim extending upward from saidannular deck surface.
 10. A surgical staple cartridge for use with acircular stapler, the surgical staple cartridge comprising: a cartridgebody defining an annular deck surface; a plurality of deck featuresprotruding from said annular deck surface; an inner annular row ofstaple cavities in said cartridge body; at least one first staplepositioned within each staple cavity in said inner annular row, whereineach said first staple comprises a first crown and a pair of first legsextending from the first crown and defining a first unformed height; anouter annular row of staple cavities positioned radially outward withrespect to the inner annular row of staple cavities; and at least onesecond staple positioned within each staple cavity in said outer annularrow, wherein each said second staple comprises a second staple crown anda pair of second legs extending from the second crown and defining asecond unformed height that differs from said first unformed height. 11.The surgical staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein said second unformedheight is greater than said first unformed height.
 12. The surgicalstaple cartridge of claim 10, wherein at least one said second leg ofeach said second staple has an end portion that extends inwardly towardthe other second leg of said second staple.
 13. The surgical staplecartridge of claim 12, wherein the second legs of each said secondstaple each has an inwardly extending end portion.
 14. The surgicalstaple cartridge of claim 10, wherein said plurality of deck featuresare associated with at least some of the staple cavities in at least oneof the inner annular row and the outer annular row of staple cavities.15. The surgical staple cartridge of claim 14, wherein said plurality ofdeck features are associated with every staple cavity in said outerannular row.
 16. The surgical staple cartridge of claim 15, wherein saidplurality of deck features are associated with every other staple cavityin said inner annular row.
 17. The surgical staple cartridge of claim10, further comprising: an intermediate annular row of staple cavitiespositioned radially outward with respect to the inner annular row ofstaple cavities and radially inwardly with respect to said outer annularrow of staple cavities; and at least one third staple positioned withineach staple cavity in said intermediate annular row, wherein each saidthird staple comprises a third staple crown and a pair of third legsextending from the third crown and defining a third unformed height thatdiffers from said first and second unformed heights.
 18. The surgicalstaple cartridge of claim 17, wherein said first unformed height is lessthan said third unformed height and said second unformed height isgreater than said third unformed height.
 19. A surgical circularstapler, comprising: a staple cartridge, comprising: a cartridge bodydefining an annular deck surface; an inner annular row of staplecavities in said cartridge body; at least one first staple positionedwithin each staple cavity in said inner annular row, wherein each saidfirst staple comprises a first crown and a pair of first legs extendingfrom the first crown and defining a first unformed height; anintermediate annular row of staple cavities positioned radially outwardwith respect to the inner annular row of staple cavities; and at leastone second staple positioned within each staple cavity in saidintermediate annular row, wherein each said second staple comprises asecond staple crown and a pair of second legs extending from the secondcrown and defining a second unformed height that differs from said firstunformed height; an outer annular row of staple cavities positionedradially outward with respect to the inner annular row of staplecavities, wherein said intermediate annular row of staples cavities ispositioned radially inwardly with respect to said outer annular row ofstaple cavities; and at least one third staple positioned within eachstaple cavity in said outer annular row, wherein each said third staplecomprises a third staple crown and a pair of third legs extending fromthe third crown and defining a third unformed height that differs fromsaid second unformed height; a tissue thickness compensator supported inat least some staple cavities and wherein said surgical circular staplerfurther comprises: an anvil movably supportable relative to said staplecartridge and comprising: a first staple forming portion located a firstforming distance from said annular deck surface; a second staple formingportion located a second forming distance from said annular deck surfacethat differs from said first forming distance; and a third stapleforming portion located a third forming distance from said annular decksurface that differs from said first and second forming distances. 20.The surgical circular stapler of claim 19, wherein said first crowndefines a first crown width and said second crown defines a second crownwidth that differs from said first crown width and wherein said thirdcrown defines a third crown width that differs from said first andsecond crown widths.